Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State knows, the small and medium-sized enterprise sector is very important throughout Ireland. I am specifically concerned about the impact of Brexit on the Border counties. As my colleagues have outlined, the premiums for employer liability and public liability insurance are proving unsustainable for many small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the country.

The National Competitiveness Council has stated that the cost of doing business is a major concern for our overall competitiveness. Many of the SMEs have experienced business insurance increases of between 6% and 15% and in some cases much more. In addition, insurance companies are using excesses and exclusions to protect themselves at the expense of the customers.

For businesses, commercial rates and insurance premiums are two of the huge burdens potentially affecting their viability and sustainability. We are at a very crucial point with Brexit looming large in everybody's mind. As we know, our small and medium-sized business sector is the prime source of revenue in the country and we cannot ignore it. We cannot continue like this and I encourage the Minister of State to take on board this important motion. I compliment my colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath, on tabling it. The numbers in the Gallery indicate the interest in the matter. It must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

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