Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If I could anchor the algebra in more prosaic words, it is the view of the Department that, at an aggregate level, the data are not indicative of a significant increase in the prevalence of self-employment in the economy over the past 16 years. That said, the Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection is examining this matter. It held its first hearing on the issue today. If it is aware of different data that the Department has not been able to establish, then I hope that it will provide for a way in which that can be done.