Neeson calls for tax breaks to boost the services sector

3.07.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Jun 2007

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Séan Neeson MLA

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Séan Neeson MLA has called on the Executive to examine the possibility of providing tax breaks create growth in businesses in the services sector. He stated that he wants the Enterprise Trade and Industry Minister to consider measures to give businesses in the services sector similar tax breaks to those enjoyed by manufacturers, in respect to industrial de-rating.

The Opposition MLA said: "It is essential that the Minister does all he can to encourage growth within the services sector locally.

"The Minister must look to assist our small and medium-sized enterprises more. We currently have industrial de-rating which helps our larger companies, and similar assistance for the services sector is necessary.

"I am calling on Nigel Dodds to examine how we can boost the services sector through tax breaks. This sector provides many high value jobs locally, and high value posts are exactly what we need to engender strong, sustainable growth in Northern Ireland.

"The Minister must look to assist every sector of business, not just one of them."

ENDS