Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of that but the last speaker also referred to them. I have very valued experience of what they did. The last people someone goes to in order to create a job are those agencies. They will be seen as statutory groups where all the hoops have to be gone through to secure planning, etc. They will also be seen as enforcement agencies.

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have been mentioned here. Again, a representative from Enterprise Ireland sat on the enterprise board to which I referred and did a great job. The expertise was valued. Some changes have been mentioned. Previously, Enterprise Ireland could only deal with someone if they had over 100 employees. I think the number is smaller now because there is a huge gap in the market where small indigenous companies are trying to work, stay afloat and expand. They must be supported and unshackled. We cannot expect the IDA to do it but it should be there in a supporting role even if the businesses have less than ten employees. There are limits and pigeonholes that are very restrictive. People need supports and to be allowed to continue to work and concentrate on expanding their businesses rather than dealing with too many regulations.

I hope that when this Bill passes through the House, it will be clear-cut and straightforward and not laden with bureaucracy. If it is laden with bureaucracy, it will not be any help or use. I also hope there will be savings, which we need as well.

The Bill provides for Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, to become employers in their own right, for staff to be employees of their respective agencies and for the three agencies to establish pension schemes for their employees. The Bill also provides for responsibility for the existing Forfás superannuation scheme and all legacy schemes to transfer to the Minister. While I understand and accept this, I hope there will not be too many legacy issues. I want more answers from the Minister of State in this regard. The main point I want to drive across is that I want there to be a smooth transition without too many legacy issues. Given the number of drafters, Deputies who have contributed to the Bill and people who will enact it, I hope that simplicity prevails for once, not multiplicity, frustration, legacy issues, Labour Court disputes etc.

No one is attacking anyone else. People have started focusing on their rights. Let go of those for a moment, be thankful to have a good job with promotion prospects, put the shoulder to the wheel and try to help us get out of this mess.

I will conclude, as the Minister of State is anxious to address some of the issues raised. I have many more, but I will raise them some other day. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his time.

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