Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The situation is not quite as the Deputy projects. Rent is certainly cited as a factor in the examinership of Atlantic Homecare but the big factor is the collapse in revenue. That is clearly stated by the company, and is not untypical of many companies closely connected to the construction sector.

Deputy O'Dea raises a fundamental point of company law. To move from a system that allows the establishment of independent companies with separate businesses while having the protection of limited liability would be a substantial departure in company policy. A change of such major significance would have to be considered long and hard. We know that serial entrepreneurs set up different companies and are often very successful. The ability to establish companies and to have the protection of limited liability is something we give to entrepreneurs. I would not lightly enter into a commitment to accept the Deputy's point. However, I will have my officials look at the suggestion, since the Deputy is putting it forward.

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