The Irish Small and Medium Enterprise association chairman Robert Berney today outlined the increasing importance of migrant labour in order for the economy to achieve and support maximum growth.

THE damning IFSRA report into AIB's operations drew widespread criticism last night from business and political circles as well as the bank's own staff.

ISME, the independent business organisation represeneting small and medium enterprise, has welcomed the call by the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Enterprise and small Business for insurance premiums to be reduced to 1999 levels.

ISME, representing small and medium-sized businesses, has given a cautious welcome to the Enterprise Strategy Group report issued today.

ISME has called on Irish business to capitalise on EU enlargement.

The European Union is hindering the development of small to medium sized enterprises with increased legislation and bureaucracy, the ISME claimed today.

ISME has joined the growing chorus of criticism of the European Commission over its decision to penalise Ryanair 's Charleroi operation.

TWO billion euro a year is being lost in tax revenue because spiralling costs are forcing Irish businesses to operate in the black economy.

THERE could hardly be a more bleak picture of Ireland than the scenario depicted yesterday to mark the 30th birthday of the NESC, the national social and economic council.

The "black" economy is costing Ireland €6bn a year, of which €2bn is unpaid taxes, according to business lobby group ISME.