Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. There is no perfect solution to all cases when it comes to social welfare and the self-employed. I have heard various groups from the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, ISME to the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, and others, say that they want it to be voluntary. I do not think it will work voluntarily. I understand the economy and how the country is now but we must move forward. If one makes a profit one pays one's income tax. If one does not make a profit but breaks even one pays tax on one's withdrawals. Surely it would be better to put 1% or 1.5% onto a new stamp to give one protection for one's family and future and to have something there if the business folds.

I put to ISME and other groups the question should we leave the system as it is? The system does not work for the self-employed. We need social protection. We saw what happened when the Celtic tiger crashed. The Minister has done excellent work for the self-employed. Could we do this now and bring it to a head with an increase to 5.5% from 4%? I spoke on local radio with various organisations during the week. To judge by the feedback in the form of e-mails and texts the business people understand that they must pay a little more. They know that and they want this stamp. The majority of small independent businesses want this stamp and security for their families if anything happens to their business.

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