David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this amendment, it seems very rational. The figures are stark in that an overwhelming majority of business in this country is in the small and medium enterprise sector. It seems reasonable to have a specifically designated member from that group on the commission. On a related matter, the Minister of State might consider this point and take it back to his Cabinet colleagues.

The treatment of people in this area is lamentable. People who start up businesses and run them are not covered by social welfare. That is outrageous. They give employment to other people down the line who get protection but if the business goes wallop the person who took the courageous step to start it and invest in it is not covered. I ask the Minister of State to examine if something can be done about that. I have been talking about this issue for a number of years. It is morally wrong that people who create employment are left out of the scheme although their employees are covered.