Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - Company Statistics.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

183 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the average number of businesses which cease to exist each year; the way in which this figure is calculated; whether it is possible to eliminate from the figures generally quoted, the fact that certain businesses cease to exist due to people operating such businesses deciding voluntarily to change their lifestyle or to avail of a different opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9099/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

Figures available from the Companies Registration Office indicate that approximately 15,000 limited companies are registered each year. There are in the region of 150,000 on the register of companies at present. The following table indicates the number of companies struck off and dissolved for the years 1993 to 1995, inclusive, where they have ceased to trade or have failed to file annual returns:

Year	No. of Companies Struck Off and Dissolved
1993	13,087
1994	4,025
1995	12,851

In 1995 the Companies Registration Office received notification of the appointment of a liquidator in respect of 777 companies. The Register of Companies was also advised of the commencement of winding-up proceedings, i.e. the appointment of a liquidator, in respect of companies for the three preceding years as follows: 1994: 820; 1993: 883 and 1992: 746.

At the time of the 1995 annual employment survey undertaken by IDA Ireland, Forbairt, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta, there were 7,799 enterprises, predominantly limited companies, but not exclusively, whose employment was supported either by grant assistance or other measures.

For the period 1992-95 the following were the number of enterprises assisted by the above agencies which closed:

1992	552
1993	611
1994	455
1995	550

At the time of the annual agency job survey these enterprises were recorded as having ceased employment in the year in question.

The Revenue Commissioners have data in respect of registration and deregistration for value added tax purposes.

Finally, I would refer the Deputy to chapter 2 of the report of the "Task Force on Small Business", March 1994, which sets out the difficulties of defining a business and other relevant data.