The Government has agreed new measures to make sure it pays its bills within 15 days. 

The move is designed primarily to make sure that SME's who deal with the State are paid promptly.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reduce costs for business, cut through unnecessary bureaucracy, ensure access to finance and invest in vital infrastructure to help businesses.

The Government said their aim is to "bring about improvements that will benefit SMEs that supply goods and services to public authorities, and which will also see savings for the Exchequer."

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, said: “As Minister with responsibility for promoting and supporting Irish enterprise, I know how important timely cash flow is to our business community.

"This is one very practical way that Government can support our key SME sector.

"I am committed to using every possible lever available to provide support for our indigenous enterprises, which are the backbone of our economy”.

Pic: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie