Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join Senators in calling for a debate on small businesses and with Senator MacSharry's call for a debate on extending entrepreneurial skills because, as we have heard and agree, it is by growing our small businesses that we will see more employment and the country coming out of this recession.

The latest survey by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association is worrying news. It shows that 80% of small businesses have suffered a fall in sales recently, four out of five expect to see a cut in the number of their employees and two out of three have said they are in danger of closure unless there is a change in the current economic climate.

Some sectors of the economy are particularly affected. I know of small architectural, engineering and town planning firms which are in serious difficulty because of the downturn in the construction sector. This morning's announcement that the Government will make some money available to support employment in the economy is welcome news. I would like a debate on how we can ensure employment is preserved in small businesses and, if possible, increased.