Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I refer to red tape and the labour laws. I find it surprising that nowhere in this lengthy report is there a reference to employment tribunals or labour commissions. They are the consistent sword of Damocles hanging over every business. Employees' rights must be at the forefront of every business and they must be protected and adhered to, but so must those of employers. If I had gone out of business in 2008, I would have lost my house because my mortgage guarantees my business. I would not have been eligible for the dole or free fuel. The only thing I was looking at was saying goodbye to the house. That is where the tears were coming from. The scales of justice must balance evenly. Currently, they are heavily tilted against the employer. It is imperative that these tribunals and commissions be reformed from top to bottom, including the criteria applying to the selection of those chosen to sit on them. If the Minister of State lifts this burden, the willingness to employ will be revitalised. I cannot begin to outline the time an average business takes to comply with employment law

A retailer friend of mine in County Cavan has 70 licences. He needs a licence to sell stamps, salmon, organic salmon, farmed fresh salmon, free range eggs and so on. An inspector from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine checks the size of potatoes while another examines the free range eggs and the dates on them. He needs an entertainment licence in order that children can use the Thomas the Tank Engine ride outside his little supermarket. This is crazy.

I refer to the employment support scheme. As I was on the verge of going out of business in 2008, this wonderful initiative was put forward by Fianna Fáil. The chocolate business is seasonal. Come May, people are thinking about bikinis and salads and not buying chocolates for their family and friends. I did not want to have to put my staff on a three-day week, as that could endanger a mortgage. The employment subsidy scheme was introduced at this stage.

I thank the Minister of State for attending and I congratulate him on the report. However, I have lots more to say to him.