The 2004 Budget has endorsed the Chamber's policies for the economy.

The key areas in the Chamber's Budget Submission have been taken on board by the Government. Principally, these are:

• No increases on Enterprise Taxes (Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax)
• Modest increases in public spending
• Low inflationary taxes - modest increases in excise duties (cigarettes and petrol) will add 0.4% to inflation in 2004. Overall, inflation is predicted to be 2.5% in 2004 - a much reduced figure fro m2003.
• Public Private Partnerships - target to increase level of investment in infrastructure from 3% to 15% by 2008
• Expansion of the Seed Capital and Business Expansion Schemes, which will encourage the development and growth of small businesses.
• The introduction of tax credits of 20% for firms engaged in R & D which will help to stimulate innovation in Irish industry, and make Ireland more attractive to international companies as a location for such activities.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce welcomed the broad thrust of today's Budget but expressed concern at the failure of the Government to increase the capital provision for transport in 2004 and beyond.

Overall, the Chamber says that that the Budget will be positive for business. Click here 

A guide to the main provisions of the 2004 Budget prepared by FGS is attached.