Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

In addition, if they have to pay for sick leave, they will have to pay for the substitutes for those out on sick leave. I beg the Taoiseach to assure the House once again that, whatever conversation is going on in the Department of Social Protection, this proposal will be stillborn and small businesses will not be asked to bear that burden. He should give them reassurance today that this measure will not be in the budget next December.

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