"This sends a signal that the Irish public is serious about tackling its problems. We are moving ahead of the curve and, bad and all as it is, it is a positive step." – Danny McCoy, director of policy with Ibec

“By not reducing the rate of VAT and employer PRSI, the Government has missed the opportunity to improve the state of the Irish retail industry for both businesses and consumers.”

– Retail Excellence Ireland

“The Budget gave a roadmap to bring the country’s public finances under control and restore confidence in the economy both nationally and internationally.”

– Matthew Ryan, president of the Irish Hotels Federation

“This measure [the National Asset Management Agency] makes sound commercial sense for both Government and banks. History has shown that the orderly workout of troubled assets produces the best outcome, while freeing up the banks to return to their main business of lending.”

– John Mulcahy, chairman Jones Lang LaSalle

“The Government must be careful not to go beyond a point where general productivity and entrepreneurial activity is damaged and disincentivised.”

– The Irish Taxation Institute

“The clear commitment by the Minister for Finance to tackling the fiscal imbalance in the economy should send the right messages to the international markets, and give businesses the confidence to reconsider investment decisions.”

– Dr Aidan O’Boyle, Small Firms Association

“The Budget did nothing to stimulate business activity across the economy, nor to provide relief to homeowners and aspiring homeowners or in general to assist the already beleaguered and struggling property market.

– Property consultants Knight Frank Dublin