Representation and Lobbying

In addition to its services to members, one of ISME's major roles is to continually raise a wide range of issues relating to business competitiveness directly with Government Departments, Institutions and the Media.

ISME's Pre-Budget 2012 Submission

Click Here To Download ISME Pre-Budget Submission

ISME's Pre-Election Submission 2011

Click Here To Download ISME Pre-Election Submission

ISME Chairman and CEO Appointed to Small Business Advisory Group

ISME Chairman, John Ryan and Chief Executive, Mark Fielding pictured with Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Minister for Small Business, John Perry at the first meeting of the Small Business Advisory Group on 16th June 2011.

ISME's Current Campaigning

• The introduction of a 30-day across the board payment term guarantee, to address late payments to SMEs.

• The overdue Microenterprise Loan Fund Scheme to be established.

• The overdue Partial Guarantee Scheme to be established.

• The ongoing rates campaign.

• The ongoing campaign against the proposed sick pay scheme.

• The ongoing campaign against the proposed PRSI increase.

• The ongoing campaign on reform of the social welfare system.

• The ongoing campaign for a reduction in Government influenced costs.

ISME's Achievements from Lobbying

• After much lobbying from the Association we have succeeded in getting the new 15 day Prompt Payment requirement for all public sector bodies and agencies (excl. commercial Semi-State bodies). ISME is currently campaigning to introduce a 30-day across the board payment term guarantee, to address late payments to SMEs.

• In March 2011, the Association successfully lobbied for the introduction of a Minister for Small Business. John Perry TD, was appointed Minister by the Government.

• ISME was instrumental in the setting up of the Advisory Group on Small Business, many of whose recommendations to improve the environment for smaller companies have been approved at Government level.

• ISME successfully lobbied for the introduction of a Banking Code of Practice and Credit Review Office to free up vital credit for SMEs.

• The Association was instrumental in the introduction of the Bank Switching Code, which allows small businesses to change banks in a faster and more efficient manner.

• ISME consistently and successfully engages with the Government and the banks to free up vital finance for the SME sector.

• Secured changes to the Public Procurement Process to make it more accessible to SMEs.

• ISME was also instrumental in securing the right of offset for delayed redundancy rebates against other tax liabilities and the 20% reduction in the Revenue Commissioner’s penalty interest.

• ISME successfully lobbied for an increase in the turnover threshold amount which small business are required to be audited – increased from €1.5m to €7.3m.

• ISME successfully lobbied for an increase in the VAT exemption limit for SMEs.

• ISME was instrumental in the Minister for Finance’s decision to remove the €50,000 threshold on Research & Development.

• ISME encouraged the Government to allow owner/managers the right to self-manage their pension funds after retirement.

• ISME committed the Tánaiste to introduce the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to tackle the insurance crisis and reduce premiums by some 30%.

• Established dispute resolution procedures for its members with the Revenue Commissioners, eircom and other State bodies.

• Restored the standard PAYE allowance to the children of proprietary directors.

• ISME has successfully highlighted the gross inequalities which exist in the public sector as against the private sector.