Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

We got it under a freedom of information request, although the Minister may not like to hear what they are saying. Furthermore, a Government decision was made concerning higher public servants' pay, yet when that measure was going through the House the Minister did not make it public. He brought it through in a circular on 23 December and he will now ram it through under a specific section in the Bill before the House.

The Bill as presented does not deal with what I feel is now required, which is an entrepreneurial culture to foster the SME sector. The Minister could simply extend the exemption for the first three years for sole traders as well as companies. That would be a practical and welcome measure. The Minister should also allow research and development tax credits to be offset against PRSI and not just corporation tax. That would provide an environment for high-end development towards the export market. It would also reduce the employers' share of PRSI costs.

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