Taxes, housing and supports top of the agenda at Fine Gael business meeting

Taxes, regulation, housing and access to Government supports were top of the agenda at a business meeting today attended by Fine Gael Ministers.

Business owners and leaders in Cork came together this morning for the Fine Gael organised event at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

The event provided an opportunity for Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney and Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Neale Richmond and Deirdre Clune MEP to engage with members of the business community from Cork and hear directly from them about their challenges and experiences.

During the event, the Ministers listened to the business community’s feedback on a variety of issues; from taxes to regulation and access to government supports. Housing, digitisation, decarbonisation and tourism were also discussed.

Minister Coveney said, “Irish businesses have proven their resilience over the past several years, but they still face issues, especially in light of rising energy costs.

“The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is there to support businesses, with really substantial funding available of up to €15,000 a month for businesses with a 30% increase in their energy bills. For those with multiple locations, up to €45,000 a month is available.

“There is ample funding available under TBESS and we would encourage every business in every sector to apply,” Minister Coveney said.

“Fine Gael is the party that backs SMEs, who are the backbone of our economy in every town and city in Ireland.

“If you have a farm, a corner shop, a start-up, a retail store or a business idea, Fine Gael is there to back you,” the Cork Minister added.

Minister Neale Richmond said the event was a great opportunity to listen to the business community in Cork and hear what’s working and where their concerns lie.

“Minister Coveney and I want to ensure the supports available to businesses are accessible and more importantly working for the businesses that they intend to support.

“This is clear from the revamped TBESS scheme. With €1.35 billion allocated under Budget 2023, we want to see this money spent and landing in the bank accounts of businesses who need it. Minister Coveney and I are proud to back business,” he said.

Deirdre Clune, Ireland South MEP said “I was delighted to meet with so many dedicated and hardworking business owners today.

“The insights and experiences of business owners in Cork are invaluable as we work to create a more resilient and prosperous economy in Ireland.”

“I want to thank the organisers of this event for bringing together such a diverse and engaged group of business owners. I look forward to continuing our dialogue and working together to build a brighter future for businesses across Ireland” she concluded.

The event was organised by Fine Gael’s Small Business and Enterprise (SBE) Council.

In 2023, Fine Gael’s SBE Council and Fine Gael business ministers are planning a number of workshop events across the country to meet and engage with local business owners and take on board their feedback to better improve and back the small and medium enterprise sector at Government level.

For more information about Fine Gael’s Small Business and Enterprise Council please contact enterprise@finegael.ie