Sinn Féin jobs plan supports Entrepreneurs - O' Súilleabháin

A Sinn Féin plan would make it far easier for Irish entrepreneurs to start up and prosper according to local rep Fionntán O' Súilleabháin. The new jobs plan which was launched today calls for restrictions that hold back entrepreneurs to be lifted and for greater support networks to be set up.

Mr O' Súilleabháin said;

"Irish people are nearly twice as likely to set up their own business as their European counterparts despite the fact that the state puts a number of obstacles in their way. The lack of protection for those whose businesses fail, the difficulty in accessing start up finance and the lack of support in dealing with matters such as regulatory compliance and business management deter many people from becoming entrepreneurs."

"Sinn Féins new jobs document launched last week puts forward several key ideas to deal with these problems and to make it far easier for Irish entrepreneurs to start up and prosper. The new businesses they start will be the basis of a whole new economy."

"An improved social security insurance system must be introduced. Self employed people should be given the option of paying PRSI at the same level as PAYE workers in order to receive the same entitlements in the event that they become unemployed. Many people who were self employed and are now out of work say they will never set up on their own again for this very reason. It's an fundamental issue that needs to be addressed."

"Sinn Féin is also suggesting the launch of a state-wide entrepreneurship programme, the establishment of a website that would allow entrepreneurs to market their ideas and seek venture capital funding online and the creation of a state run or co-op service to provide new start ups with tax preparation, payroll and legal services, accounting, preparation of business proposals for requests for capital and regulatory compliance services for a fee. This would greatly reduce the costs of doing business."

"Sinn Féin is also calling for the auditing of all NAMA held property to find and utilise any units suitable for the purpose of new businesses. This, like the other proposals, would make social as well as economic sense. The promotion of entrepreneurs would create new business and employment, stabilise our local economy and stop the flow of young people out of this country."

Investing in Ireland's future - Create Jobs Create growth can be read in full at www.sinnfein.ie.