Business group ISME says there are outstanding issues relating to the high levels of tax paid by small business owners here.

The organisation is holding its annual lunch in Dublin today.

ISME says small business owners are currently paying higher rates of tax than their employees.

The Finance Minister Michael Noonan will speak at the event - and he will also be presented with the ISME medal.

Mr Noonan's speech will celebrate the achievements of the small business sector, and its contribution to the economic and social life of the country.

CEO of ISME Mark Fielding, says they want to put across to Minister Noonan the need to lower the rate of Capital Gains Tax paid by small businesses.