Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a major issue with the attitude to failure in this country. I have never met an entrepreneur or businessperson who set up an enterprise with the intention of failing. Businesses can fail for many reasons. Sometimes things may just not go right, the person involved might not have obtained the correct advice or the market might not have been there. It can be difficult to break into markets, particularly if one is trying to expand and obtain support. I agree with Mr. Murphy that we must do a great deal more in the context of providing supports and encouraging people to establish businesses. Employing people is a huge issue for small businesses at present, particularly in light of the costs involved and all the extras which one must put in place. Small businesses are obliged to shoulder the same burden as multinationals. The position is similar, regardless of whether one has one member of staff or 2,000. Obviously, there are far more supports for companies which employ 2,000 people. Small business owners are obliged to try to do everything themselves, including sales, employing staff, ensuring cashflow, banking, etc.