Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Therefore, they will not be affected at all by this scheme, and that should be pointed out. This is not a measure directed in any way at small businesses. It is unfortunate that we have had to reduce sick cover for workers in the way that it has occurred but, against a background of a very difficult economic situation and a need to balance to balance our public books, this is a measure that was the least bad of a range of measures.

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