Harney praises 'pro-enterprise' Budget
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, speaking today in the Dáil praised the budget describing it as "pro-enterprise".
The Tánaiste praised the Business initiatives in the Budget and the decision not to increase PRSI, capital gains tax and corporation tax, saying that the tax system supports "initiative, risk-taking and innovation" in business.
Ms Harney praised the €340m of public resources allocated for R&D and that this increased commitment to R&D activities is essential if Ireland is to become a "knowledge-based economy".
Ms Harney said the removal of stamp duty on the registration of patents was a clear signal of support to the generation of new ideas and products.
"We are underlining that Ireland intends to become a world leader in converting ideas into jobs", she said.
The Tánaiste welcomed the extension of the Business Expansion and Seed Capital Schemes and the support new business start-ups will receive from them.
She said the retention of the Section 481 film relief scheme until 2008 would "build expertise and employment" in the Irish film industry.
On the decentralisation plans Mary Harney was optimistic saying that the decision is right for our country :"It will change our mental map of Ireland. From now on, we will go around the country, not just up to Dublin" she said.
She added that it will only work as a stimulus to the economic development of the regions if it is large-scale and not piecemeal.
