More than 70 per cent of Irish small firms plan to hire additional staff this year on the back of improved trading conditions, according to the Small Firms Association.

The findings of the group’s latest summer business sentiment will be released today at its national conference, taking place in UCD.

The survey also indicates that more than two-thirds of firms believe the business environment here is continuing to improve, while just 3 per cent say it is deteriorating.

The association is also launching a new strategy for the sector containing over 60 recommendations aimed at improving the small business landscape.

“Much of Government policy is based on backing winners and attracting foreign multinationals, rather than creating an environment for more and more indigenous businesses to establish, create jobs, survive and succeed,” the group’s chairman AJ Noonan said.

He said the association's Vision for Small Business in Ireland report challenged every citizen to do their part to make "Ireland the most vibrant small business community in the world – supporting entrepreneurship, valuing small business and rewarding risk takers."