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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Employment and enterprise debate

Summary

Senator Harte supports a debate with the Jobs Minister, praising the budget’s measures for small businesses, towns and employment; brief interjections concern his anecdote about a hotelier.

I agree with calls for a debate on employment in the wake of yesterday's budget, which is very progressive for small and medium-sized businesses. Perhaps the relevant Minister might come before the House to discuss the matter.

I met a hotelier from the midlands who is a Fianna Fáil supporter and who indicated that - despite the fact he will not say so publicly - the reports on the budget were good. I informed him that was a good sign, particularly coming from a Fianna Fáil man. He then said that those in the hotel business are grateful to the-----

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There are a great many political people involved in that sector.

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Yes. The man in question stated that he would not be saying it publicly but that the budget is reasonable.

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A Senator

Will Senator Harte name the man in order that he can-----

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I will not name him publicly but I can supply his name in private.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Harte should address his remarks through the Chair. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

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Perhaps he might give those opposite a good discount if they opt to stay at his hotel.

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As already stated, I support the calls for a debate on enterprise and employment with the relevant Minister. I come from a business background and, as a result, I can see the positives in the budget. This budget is progressive for small businesses and towns that are struggling. Such businesses provide the lifeblood of such towns. For all the criticism in respect of it, there are many positives to the budget and the Minister should come before the House to discuss these.

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