New Small Business Unit will assist businesses in Cork

A new dedicated Small Business Unit, based in the Department Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be focusing on the needs of small businesses across the country, including in Cork, said Cork North West TD Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea

Welcoming the establishment of the Unit, Deputy O’Shea said: “SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy, providing employment and economic benefit across the country. They employ two thirds of all people in Ireland and have faced significant cost pressures in recent years.

“The establishment of a new unit dedicated solely to addressing the issues and concerns of small businesses is a very timely development, and I know my colleague, Minister Burke, is eager to ensure no unnecessary red tape or costs are put on small businesses in Cork.

“Fine Gael is the pro-enterprise party, and we can see our policies working in the latest jobs figures, which show over 90,000 new jobs were added to the economy in the last year. We must ensure we continue to support our small businesses in Cork and this focus on SMEs at the highest level is a signal of our intent.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: “since my appointment as Minister I have put small businesses front and centre of my priorities.

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea said “ small businesses are imperative to our economy and community. They offer employment to the local people of our town/villages, offer choice and drive innovation.

“The Small Business Unit will focus on rigorously implementing the SME Test, to ensure the perspectives of small businesses are considered across Government before new legislation or regulation is introduced. The Unit will simplify the access to grants and supports for businesses though the National Enterprise Hub.  It will also ensure the Local Enterprise Offices are properly resourced to help small businesses.

Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon said, “small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. This new Unit shows our commitment to cutting red tape, improving access to supports, and ensuring SMEs are heard in policymaking. We’re focused on delivering real, practical help so small businesses can thrive, grow, and drive local economic success.”