Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was taken with what my cousin, Senator Darragh O'Brien, said and I wondered what Winston Churchill, Jamie Oliver, Stephen Spielberg, Agatha Christie, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Richard Branson and Erin Brockovich have in common. They were all special needs students and brilliant people who contributed so much to society. They are also vulnerable people when they are young and suffer from low self-esteem. They need help and a leg-up and I cannot believe what Senator Darragh O'Brien shared with us this morning. I support him.

It is June and the weather is beautiful but there must be wind outside because the kite flying has begun. Last weekend, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, tested business people. The Government has done such good through its initiatives for businesses to grow to help people regain confidence. We are an island and it is very difficult for those of us who are exporting to be competitive. We must get across the Irish Sea to get to England or Europe. I refer to Harvest 2020. We want to grow employment but the Minister is thinking of increasing the minimum wage. We are talking about special needs but to pay for the country and to get it back on an upward slant, we must regain confidence and build employment. I do not think raising the minimum wage is the way forward for Ireland. I have great sympathy for those who are less well-off.

I would like clarification from the Government, which is getting rid of the town councils.

I hope there will be great savings. Rates are increasing by between 30% and 100%. How can a retail business such as the hairdresser's in Waterford mentioned yesterday sustain itself or plan for the future if its rates will go this high? I would like clarity from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on what he is planning and how he will maintain the competitiveness and confidence of Irish businesses.

Will the Leader seek clarity from the Minister for Social Protection on her plans for the national minimum wage?