Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his response. I welcome the introduction of the employment investment incentive and the seed capital scheme. Does the Minister accept that in the current economic climate many small businesses are really hurting? Is he aware that 177,547 small businesses employ under ten staff, 9,769 employ between ten and 19 staff, 5,215 employ between 20 and 49 staff and 37,488 employ between three and 12 persons? These are the people who need our maximum support. Will the Minister accept we have to ensure these small businesses are part of the overall strategy of economic recovery? We can talk about getting back into the markets but those small businesses have to be in the engine room of the recovery of the economy.

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