The Budget contained "significant pro-enterprise" measures, exporters said last night. The Irish Exporters Association welcomed the extension of the Business Expansion Scheme and the reduction in the top rate of employers' PRSI.
Its chief executive, Mr John Whelan, said: "Well overdue was the new corporation tax regime for ship-owners, which would now put them on an equal footing with other EU member-states and bring new vigour to the shipping services sector. This is the type of budget that will help restore growth to the economy."