29/07/2016
Govt Must Prioritise SME's and Self Employed In Budget 2017
The government must prioritise supporting SMEs and the self-employed in the Budget 2017, Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Niall Collins, has said.
Deputy Collins made the comments amid reports this week that bank lending to the SME sector is rising.
"While I welcome increased access to capital for self-employed people, more must be done to cultivate a competitive landscape for entrepreneurs in Ireland," Deputy Collins said.
"To date there has been a lack of progress in improving Ireland's competitiveness. Ireland's high costs pose problems in attracting more business start-ups, both domestic and foreign.
"National competitiveness is further undermined by severe skills shortages, impediments in infrastructure and threats of industrial unrest. Commercial rates remain too high high and preventing start-up businesses from expanding require real reform. The unequal tax treatment of the self-employed continues to act as a major disincentive.
"These deficiencies must be addressed by the government to ensure that future jobs growth reaches all regions, as opposed to the two tier recovery we have been experiencing."
(MH/CD)
Deputy Collins made the comments amid reports this week that bank lending to the SME sector is rising.
"While I welcome increased access to capital for self-employed people, more must be done to cultivate a competitive landscape for entrepreneurs in Ireland," Deputy Collins said.
"To date there has been a lack of progress in improving Ireland's competitiveness. Ireland's high costs pose problems in attracting more business start-ups, both domestic and foreign.
"National competitiveness is further undermined by severe skills shortages, impediments in infrastructure and threats of industrial unrest. Commercial rates remain too high high and preventing start-up businesses from expanding require real reform. The unequal tax treatment of the self-employed continues to act as a major disincentive.
"These deficiencies must be addressed by the government to ensure that future jobs growth reaches all regions, as opposed to the two tier recovery we have been experiencing."
(MH/CD)
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New Bill To Protect Journalist Communications - FF
Fianna Fáil has announced a new Bill aimed at protecting confidential communications between a journalist and their source. The party's Spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, said that the Bill would be introduced "at the earliest opportunity", and follows revelations that Garda had used special powers to monitor journalists communications.
New Bill To Protect Journalist Communications - FF
Fianna Fáil has announced a new Bill aimed at protecting confidential communications between a journalist and their source. The party's Spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, said that the Bill would be introduced "at the earliest opportunity", and follows revelations that Garda had used special powers to monitor journalists communications.
27 September 2016
FF Raises Concerns Over Gender Gap In Apprenticeship Scheme
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns over figures which show the emergence of a "glaring systemic gender gap in the country's apprenticeship system". The party's Jobs and Enterprise Spokesperson, Niall Collins, said there is "no two ways about it: the system as currently constituted clearly disadvantages women".
FF Raises Concerns Over Gender Gap In Apprenticeship Scheme
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns over figures which show the emergence of a "glaring systemic gender gap in the country's apprenticeship system". The party's Jobs and Enterprise Spokesperson, Niall Collins, said there is "no two ways about it: the system as currently constituted clearly disadvantages women".
24 April 2015
'No Country For Young Women Under Fianna Fáil' - FG
Ireland would be "no country for young women under Fianna Fáil", Fine Gael has said. North-West TD Áine Collins made the comments when speaking about female election candidates ahead of this weekend's Fianna Fáil Ard Fhéis. Deputy Collins said: "Fianna Fáil has no female TDs.
'No Country For Young Women Under Fianna Fáil' - FG
Ireland would be "no country for young women under Fianna Fáil", Fine Gael has said. North-West TD Áine Collins made the comments when speaking about female election candidates ahead of this weekend's Fianna Fáil Ard Fhéis. Deputy Collins said: "Fianna Fáil has no female TDs.
17 April 2015
FF Publish New National Drugs Policy
Fianna Fáil has published a new National Drugs Action Plan, in response to what it has called "the escalating drugs crisis". Announcing the publication, the party's spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, said the plan is as a result of extensive consultation with groups, agencies and individuals working to tackle drug abuse at community level.
FF Publish New National Drugs Policy
Fianna Fáil has published a new National Drugs Action Plan, in response to what it has called "the escalating drugs crisis". Announcing the publication, the party's spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, said the plan is as a result of extensive consultation with groups, agencies and individuals working to tackle drug abuse at community level.
09 January 2012
TD 'Shocked' As Limerick Left Off Google Maps
The Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick has spoken of his "shock" at the news that Limerick is not featured on Google maps. Deputy Collins said the oversight is "detrimental" to both local tourism and to the economic development of the region.
TD 'Shocked' As Limerick Left Off Google Maps
The Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick has spoken of his "shock" at the news that Limerick is not featured on Google maps. Deputy Collins said the oversight is "detrimental" to both local tourism and to the economic development of the region.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.