Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

We have often discussed the importance of policymakers recognising the effort and energy that goes into running a business and sustaining high levels of employment. The plight of SMEs in particular has been raised on the floor of the Dáil, as has the need for policies to make sure we encourage and incentivise SMEs to scale up to be able to pursue research and innovation for their own benefit and for upskilling their wider workforce.

I also raise the importance of the all-island labour market. It was discussed at the recent meeting of the LEEF and the ESRI also conducted a study recently on it. Will the Taoiseach share his thoughts on how the Government intends to deal with the potential and real divergence in employment standards between the UK and the European Union that will manifest on the Border, in particular for smaller employers trying to employ people who may live on the other side of the Border? There are differing expectations regarding flexible and remote working. How can those expectations be aligned? Has work been done at North-South Ministerial Council level and in direct relationship with the Northern Ireland Executive?

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