Ms Aviné McNally:

I concur with what Mr. Talbot said about the fear factor in this regard. People are reluctant to re-employ because they are terrified of having to go through the tough decision of letting people go again. As we have all said, low employment costs would contribute to ensuring there is more job creation and would encourage people to consider filling positions that they may have available. Our own figures show that since 2010 - in just over two years - approximately €660 million has been spent on additional employment or labour costs.

That is a huge cost to be absorbed. Therefore, further costs cannot be imposed if we are to have any hope of creating employment in the small business sector.