Ivor Callely
Ceist:83 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his policy in relation to combating obstacles to job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1613/96]
Written Answers. - Job Creation Policy.
The whole purpose of the Government's employment policy is to promote enterprise, reward those in work and encourage those seeking work. This week's budget contained a considerable number of new measures to advance these objectives. These measures include reductions in corporation tax and PRSI on businesses, reductions in the burden of income tax and PRSI particularly for those on low incomes and new employment measures for the long-term unemployed.
These measures are additional to the ongoing work of the industrial development agencies, county enterprise boards and the small business and services division of my Department. I am satisfied with the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the Task Force on Small Business particularly in relation to access to low cost funds.
The increase of some 45,000 in employment last year is a clear indication that the Government's employment policy is working. The new measures announced this week in the budget will contribute to maintaining that favourable employment trend.