Press Releases
Chamber President Calls for Change - 05.02.2010
Speaking this evening at the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner at City Hall, Chamber President Ger O'Mahoney told the 900 strong audience that reform of the public sector and the establishment of an Emergency Task Force to co-ordinate this change are essential as well as highlighting concerns surrounding our lack of sense of civic duty and the availability of credit for business.
On the issue of credit availability Mr O'Mahoney said, "Whilst many of us are preoccupied with the availability of credit for our businesses, I believe NAMA alone is not the answer to the problem. Fundamentally the re-capitalisation of the banks is essential in encouraging entrepreneurs to take risks. Furthermore, a development bank in the style of ICC for example would go a long way in encouraging people to engage in enterprise once more". In short, we need a functioning marketplace - one where there is a confidence and willingness among the general public to purchase goods and services again".
Mr O'Mahoney went on to say, "A structural reform of the public sector is now necessary. The multiplicity of agencies and authorities does not seem to be fit for purpose in the new Ireland. We should look at structuring our public sector into wider economic areas which cover a larger base. This would enable us to plan on a broader and more competitive manner and would ultimately lead to the more efficient roll out of services to be delivered nationally, regionally, locally or privately. Government must establish an Emergency Task Force to co-ordinate and implement the changes required".
Mr O'Mahoney said, "Our sense of civic duty is often lacking. Ireland would benefit greatly if an increasing number of people in the private sector, who have opinions and ideas on how we can get back on track would take the initiative and look to get involved in the public sector. There is a stark contrast in Ireland compared with other countries such as the UK and the US where many individuals in enterprise become actively involved in public service. In fact, they are encouraged to do so. Some get involved in politics for the long haul but many also do so on a secondment basis. They feel a much higher obligation to get involved and effect change. Here however it seems that there is almost a barrier to it. The question 'what's in it for me' is asked too often. If this doesn't change, the 'great divide' between private and public will remain to a large degree".
Mr O'Mahoney concluded by adding, "The Chamber's most recent Economic Trends Survey shows confidence has risen to its strongest point since the beginning of 2009, 64% of businesses are now feeling confident about the future of their business from a financial perspective. I would encourage all member companies to continue engaging with the Chamber through our lobbying, policy development and research work and through the busy programme of events focused on your needs. After all people do business with people so it is important to avail of opportunities to meet with people in Cork's business community".
For further information please contact:
Ger O'Mahoney, President, Cork Chamber, tel (021) 4907000 / (087) 2502726
Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber, tel (021) 4509044 / 087 9471858
Lucy O'Donoghue, Membership Development & P.R. Manager, Cork Chamber, tel (021) 4509044