Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for its presentation. While it was quite succinct, it was very clear and comprehensive. When the delegation referred to the context of job losses, etc., it could have been talking about my town. I know exactly where it is coming from.

One will have noted from the discussion with the officials that we are all aware of the imbalance between the treatment of the self-employed and the treatment of other employees in the social welfare system. I thank the delegation for its efforts to help correct the imbalance. It is quite a sacrifice for those who are trying to run their businesses daily to form a pressure group. They put a lot of time and effort into their cause. It is a sacrifice for the delegation to be present here today. My party is now aware that there is a severe imbalance between the treatment of the self-employed and the treatment of employees with regard to the social insurance scheme. I deal with this daily in my constituency. I will work very hard to ensure the sacrifices the delegation is making to correct the imbalance are not being made in vain.