ISME calls for 'competitiveness fund'
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association has called on the cabinet to establish a "competitiveness fund" for indigenous firms at its meeting on the economy next week.
The Association said the Government must do something for businesses which have seen their market positions eroded by rising costs.
It also insisted that the fund would not be a bail out for firms which can't survive in the current market.
ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said: "We're not looking for handouts here. This funding should be made available to companies who are at the moment not eligible for support under Enterprise Ireland's strict 'picking winners' policy that they have adhered to over the last number of years."
