Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her constructive approach on this issue. I do not think there is a fundamental difference of opinion between us on this point. I am concerned about imposing additional costs on very small businesses. The Senator mentioned the example of a local corner shop or the local plumber. There are costs involved in requiring these processes to be established.

The Senator also mentioned particular sectors that have significant impacts. It is also provided for within the Bill that the threshold does not apply in certain named areas. Those exceptions include, for example, financial services, aviation safety and oil and gas safety. Of course, there has never been a threshold in the public sector either. It would certainly be our intention-----