Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am glad the Minister accepts small businesses are the economy's main employers. The information issue seems to be a regular problem. When I engage with small businesses and self-employed people, a high percentage of them are unaware of all the schemes available to them. Will the Minister and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, be more proactive on this issue?

Many small businesses and self-employed people feel penalised on the PRSI issue. Many of them will have paid it, along with tax and VAT, for nearly 30 or 40 years. They often feel they are left down by the State in this regard when they retire or their business closes.

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