The Chamber of Commerce this evening welcomed the Budget's focus on fiscal consolidation and a reduction in welfare dependence, saying they were  similar to its own priorities.

It said it had long been calling on the government to address the state of public finances by ensuring a fair and efficient enforcement of taxes and by addressing abuses in social benefit schemes.

The chamber welcomed efforts being made to rationalise the tax collection system while introducing incentives for individuals and companies.

Measures aimed at encouraging or requiring individuals to train themselves and accept jobs that offered fair financial reward should be considered positively.

Such measures, the chamber said, were conducive to a change in culture to seek productive work rather than rely on social benefits.

At the same time, the planned consultation process on school hours was welcome both in terms of providing support to working parents and in enhancing the overall schooling experience, the chamber said.

The chamber's reaction in full can be read in the pdf link below.