Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The chief executive of ISME stated today that "We are in the throes of the worst economic crisis in living memory and it is critical that we stem the number of job losses. Unfortunately, the Government is ignoring this fact and is contributing to an already dreadful situation by refusing to apply any coherent policies to address the issue." A perfect example is the delay in the PRSI exemption.

We had a debate last night about the recovery of windfall profits through carbon allowances at €75 million per annum for two years. A total of €150 million has been lost due to the Government's delay in implementing a policy. Deputy Coveney has been consistently pointing out that this revenue stream was being ignored and people were getting it for free.

We are overburdened with red tape. The HSA has become an industry in itself. If we want to fill a pothole in the road and the pothole expands after a flood, then the HSA must write a new health and safety statement. It is that ridiculous. That is a public service cost. We cannot lecture to the private sector on cutting costs and feeling the pain. The graph presented in this Bill highlights the gap that is growing. Instead of bringing this Bill before the House in its own guise in six months, which the Government inevitably does, it should accept it tonight.

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