Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ross for his courtesy in recognising the value of the renegotiation of that element of the agreement, namely, that 33% of the value accrued from the sale of State assets will be used for job creation purposes. I also welcome his observation on the success, in particular of the IDA, in continuing to be a very strong authority for delivering foreign direct investment into the country. The comments by President Clinton and a range of chief executives of major American businesses, and the interest shown by the Chinese Vice President in investment in Ireland are encouraging signs although we have a long way to go.

I refer to the Deputy's question on sick leave. What is needed is an efficient system that is equitable and fair. This matter was raised before the budget. The Government decided not to run with it for the simple reason that it is clearly focused on not putting barriers in the way of small and medium enterprises and small businesses being able to expand and employ people. This problem is far more serious in the public sector than in the private sector because arrangements apply differently to small firms at private level than they do in the public service where, for a variety of reasons, several thousand people are out on sick leave every day. For this reason the Minister for Social Protection has launched a discussion on this matter which will require a real conversation. The Deputy may rest assured the Government's priority is to focus in the best way possible on having no obstacles or barriers to business and in having opportunities for small and medium enterprises to grow. They are the life blood of the recovery of the economy. From speaking to many small operators I understand their concerns about this.

It is a case of a discussion initiated by the Minister for Social Protection taking place to have an efficient and equitable system that operates in the best interests of everybody.

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