Fine Gael TD, for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the results of the Growing Small Business Through Online Trade report, showing that SMEs who availed of the Government’s Online Trading Voucher, are growing.

“We know that 67 per cent of all of the new jobs created in Ireland are created by start-ups in their first five years of business so it is essential that we do everything we can to support these business and to drive them into the future. This is why Fine Gael launched the Standing Up for Small Business campaign and why the Government introduced the Online Trading Voucher.

“The Growing Small Business Through Online Trade report shows that over 70 per cent of small businesses that took part in the Government’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme expect to recruit more staff.

“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme was launched in 2014 to boost the number of small firms trading online. It offers small businesses a grant of up to €2,500, as well as training, mentoring and networking support to help them develop their online trading capability.

“Small business is the cornerstone of a sustainable economy and these local businesses support many jobs here Dun Laoghaire. In Ireland, €700,000 is spent online every hour. That is a staggering statistic and I want Dun Laoghaire businesses to benefit from this trend.

“Some 225 companies received the Online Trading Vouchers and they have experienced a huge jump in inquiries and a 21 per cent increase in sales. The scheme is administered by Local Enterprise Offices and I would encourage any interested business owners to get in touch.

“The Online Trading Voucher has proven a great success for SMEs, but having consulted with local business through our Standing Up for Rural Ireland campaign, we know that one of the biggest issues is the need to standardise the tax treatment of the self- employed and PAYE workers, as well as the need for continued reductions in the general tax burden.

“Fine Gael TDs and Senators are working to ensure that these issues are addressed in the upcoming budget.”