Finance Minister outlines Budget 2023 Vision

MINISTERIAL VISIT

Finance Minister outlines Budget 2023 vision at Chamber event

County Wexford Chamber welcomed Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD to Wexford at end-September. As part of a post-Budget roadshow, Minister Donohoe spoke to business leaders from across Co. Wexford at an evening event in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, on Thursday, 29 September.

Minister Donohoe predicted that Ireland’s economy will grow by 1.5% in 2023. This is lower than in previous years, he said, but it was still growth in a challenging environment. In addition, the Finance Minister expects that almost-full employment will continue, but that inflation will run to about 6-7%. He listed the supply of gas to Europe, the uncertainties of Covid-19 over the winter, and Brexit as risks to the economy.

The event was attended by County Wexford Chamber President Brendan Crowley, Deputy CEO Emma Dunphy, directors from the Chamber’s Board, as well as public representatives, and a broad cross-section of the business community.

Minister Donohoe addressed questions faced by businesses including the difficulties of competing with the social welfare system for employees, the concrete levy, the increase in the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, work permits for foreign workers, and the increasing costs

of utilities. Minister Donohoe outlined the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, addressed the Licensed Haulier Emergency Support Scheme, and said he anticipated the roll out of funding under the Energy Support Scheme for Business to occur at the end of November.

“Almost 100 people attended the event, and County Wexford Chamber was delighted to facilitate this exchange between the Minister for Finance and the business community,” said County Wexford Chamber Deputy CEO, Emma Dunphy. “We would like to thank Paul Kehoe TD for getting Wexford on the Minister’s schedule and the turnout showed how engaged the business community is in keeping Wexford open for business.”

Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Finance, pictured with members of County Wexford Chamber’s Board of Directors and Paul Kehoe TD (l-r): Willie Fitzharris, Deputy CEO Emma

Dunphy, President Brendan Crowley, Karl Fitzpatrick, and John Nolan.

INSIDE WEXFORD BUSINESS | PAGE 9