ISME hails infrastructure spending commitments in Budget 2025 [Video]

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has said Budget 2025 was not “a business budget” while hailing infrastructure spending commitments made by the government.

Responding to the announcement, ISME said the budget was clearly pitched to appeal to voters ahead of a general election but was still pleased by a number of measures targeted at businesses and employees.

Specifically, ISME applauded increases of €125m in the Personal, Employee and Earned Income Credits, and a reduction in USC from 4% to 3%.

The group was also in favour of the 2% USC ceiling band being increased by 34% or €6,898 from €20,484 to €27,382, and the small benefit exemption being upped from €1,000 to €1,500 in five tranches.

However, the ISME noted that the increase in the standard income tax rate cut off point, from €42,000 to €44,000, means that somebody earning the average industrial wage (€50,000) will be taxed at the marginal rate on €6,000 of their income.

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