Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In his preamble the Taoiseach unfortunately failed to address the specific question I asked. Why is there no formal representation from the small and medium sized enterprise, SME, sector on the National Economic Social Council, NESC? It was a clear platform of the Fine Gael Party before the last election, which gave a clear commitment in advance of the election that in future discussions and negotiations the SME sector would have a voice through the NESC. The SME sector continues not to have a voice, notwithstanding that it is the sector which provides the largest employment across the country and it is struggling. I would like a clear and succinct explanation for why it is not represented on the NESC.

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