The European Commission ruling which curbed the incentives Ryanair can get at Charleroi Airport was described as "a kick in the teeth to competition policy in Europe".
According to the employers' lobby group ISME the EC decision is another example of interference by the European Commission in the open market to the detriment of the consumer and business, by potentially pushing up the cost of using a valuable service, i.e., air travel.
Mr Robert Berney, ISME chairman accused Brussels bureaucrats of "consistently meddling" with policy and legislation. This was creating a business environment that is anti-competitive and anti-consumer.
Mr Berney said the approach was having a negative effect on Europe's ability to attract and retain investment.
Mr Berney said the Irish Government must use its presidency to progress the Lisbon Agenda and promote a free market environment and job creation.