That it was all so simple. First, it’s worth noting that, while Ireland climbed four places in the World Bank’s rankings, this was due partly to a change in methodology called the Distance to Frontier score. Using the old scoring system, Ireland’s ranking rose by just two places compared to last year. Moreover, our ranking is also somewhat less impressive when you consider that we were in eighth place for ease of doing business in 2008.

What both reports also miss is the fact that, while Ireland might be great if you’re a multinational, it’s less so if you’re not.

While multinationals may be called upon to advise the Government on what should be in the proposed “knowledge box” tax scheme, smaller indigenous firms feel that they are continually discriminated against. Take the most recent budget, which introduced tougher income tax measures for the self-employed and a higher USC rate for those earning over €100,000 annually.

The reality for small business owners and the self-employed here is that there’s little in the way of encouragement for them, despite the fact that most people working in Ireland are employed by them, rather than by big multinationals.

The failure to provide proper supports to entrepreneurs here sends out the wrong message in promoting an enterprise culture and also downplays the significant contribution of these individuals to the Irish economy. Until this situation is reversed then Ireland may continue to aspire to be the best small country in the world in which to do business, but will never really be.

B.J. Dennehy & Company, Accountants & Registered Auditors, Ireland.