Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the Minister's views on the small and medium size enterprise sector, which comprises approximately 190,000 businesses. I have previously said in this House that if only 60% of them created one additional job it would make a difference.

The sick pay issue was mentioned. I have previously raised this issue personally with the Minister. I believe, and I hope the Minister agrees, that requiring SMEs to meet the cost of the first four weeks of sick pay would be a further imposition on the sector at this time. It is hoped no further tax will be imposed on this sector in the forthcoming budget. This sector will in my opinion play a significant part in our economic recovery.

Many SMEs are devastated and vulnerable, with some totally broken. Many are operating on a shoestring trying to maintain their small workforce and themselves in jobs for as long as possible. Local people are working together to keep their businesses afloat. Several small business owners who were unable to handle the pressures - of which there are many - have, unfortunately, taken their own lives. Two men, whom I knew, who ran small industries for up to 30 years took their own lives because they were no longer able to cope with their problems.

The small and medium enterprise sector is unaware of the good news which the Minister announced today. Perhaps he would consider blowing his own trumpet and bringing this good news to more people.