Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Fianna Fáil and Deputy Calleary for bringing forward this important motion. The Government continually talks about creating new jobs, but it misses the point that it must protect the jobs we have. Small employers in this country are pressed to the pin of their collars trying to keep their doors open and to keep people in employment. The proposal on sick pay will put them under unbelievable pressure and employers will not be able to keep the employees they have if this is foisted on them.

I am disappointed that the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, is not here. I would like to know what is more important tonight than her being here to hear this very important motion being discussed. Employers and many employees will be looking at this debate and wondering where she and the people who support her are and how they are going to vote on this motion. This is about employers trying to keep employees at work so as to keep their households financially viable with money going into them every week.

That has been difficult for employers over the years. More than ever before, they are now being put to the pin of their collars. Rather than putting further financial burdens on them, the Government should protect those jobs by creating an environment that would make it easier for them to keep people employed. I hope Deputies will keep that in mind when they vote on this motion. I will conclude by asking somebody to provide IDA Ireland with a Sat Nav that would allow it to find County Kerry and perhaps create even one job there. It would be a help.

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