Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I employ 100 people, most of whom have been with me in excess of ten years. They love where they work and I treat them fairly but I am not certain that this proposal will allow me to operate my business in the future. I call for a debate on the proposal as a matter of urgency and a wider discussion on the Government's lack of focus on small, independent employers dotted around the country who provide tremendous benefits to their communities. While attention must be paid to foreign direct investment it is not the only show in town. We all know that an indigenous Irish company employing one person is equivalent to a foreign direct investment company employing five people. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, if she is in the House this afternoon but I ask the Leader to provide time for a debate also.