Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Regarding the views of the Minister, Deputy Cullen, on double time in restaurants, we all know that 80% of restaurants are losing money. It is a terrible time for people in business. Small to medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, are going through a nightmare. Many of those currently in business do not want to wake up on 1 January and find that they are still in the same predicament. As Senator Mary White stated, the House has a duty to realise that most of the businesses in question would not exist if not for the fact that they are family businesses and a way of life.

We are concerned by the difficulties being experienced by family businesses. Hand on heart, I have discussed this matter on an hourly basis with many friends and family who have provided significant amounts of employment during my lifetime. Never before have they experienced these difficulties. The first debate in the House should be with the Tánaiste.