John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. While her desire to address the level of absenteeism in the public and private sector is commendable - I do not have a problem with it - like many other people I believe these proposals will have a terrible impact on jobs, in particular in the small and medium business sector. There is much made of the crucial role which multinationals play in the Irish market.

I am fearful the critical role small and medium-sized enterprises play in villages, small towns and city centres is being gravely overlooked. The influential report, A Blueprint for Ireland's Recovery, drafted by leading business figures, places SMEs at the front line of economic recovery. However, the survey released last week by ISME stated 96% of SMEs expect job losses if the Minister's proposals are introduced. SMEs already contribute significantly to the social welfare fund through the PRSI system and cannot take any more. An average of five small companies a week are going bust or are unable to access capital. If the Minister's proposed measures are introduced, they will undoubtedly result in longer dole queues. Those of us on the left are also concerned it may force employers to revisit any sick pay policies they offer, which would be wholly unfair to the workers.

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