Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The budget is very positive for business, for which I thank the Minister for Finance. However, as an entrepreneur and an employer, I would be terrified to take on even one new employee. The percentage relating to redundancies used to be 65%, then it was reduced to 15% and now it is zero. This represents a huge risk for people who are self-employed. If their companies come close to going to the wall, the consequences will be dreadful.

I have 120 wonderful workers at my factory and will be going to see them tomorrow. What is being done in respect of PRSI for the low paid is disgraceful. This section of the budget was very lazily thought out. Could the Government not have gone after some of the quangos or bankers' salaries rather than carers' respite grant?

The House should engage in a debate on the Garda. We are demoralising gardaí and have cut down on overtime in order to save ¤60 million. Everyone is watching "Love/Hate" on RTE, but that programme only provides a taste of what is really taking place on the streets.