Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I do not oppose either of these resolutions. In the area of services we are spawning a number of new companies and we need to increase this. The threshold of €35,000 turnover is very modest. Many small businesses are overwhelmed by bureaucratic requirements. Is this the main thrust behind this change, as distinct from the imposition of VAT? The amount of €52.5 million per year is not insignificant. The complaints I hear relate to the regulatory burden.

I see Deputy Johnny Brady is offering and I was going to liven up the night by opposing resolution No. 5 but I agree with it.

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