Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Sometimes proposals are presented as if they are simple to do but the idea of increasing social insurance contributions from all employers in order to cover the failings of some raises its own questions. There is also the issue of retrospection in terms of how one could apply any funding that would be raised in the future on foot of legislation passed here. These issues are being examined by the Department with responsibility for business, enterprise and innovation, led by the Tánaiste but they are not simple.

The Deputy has suggested that this is a medium to long-term proposal and it would need a lot of teasing out. I had a very preliminary conversation with ICTU on it some time ago. The proposal needs to be fleshed out in some considerable detail regarding what is envisaged.

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