I want to speak on behalf of the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economies. They are the real heroes at local level in light of the extent to which they invest local, spend local and hire local. These businesses are under huge pressure as a result of increased costs, something that is acknowledged on page 15 of the programme for Government. The programme for Government contains a commitment to making changes to employers' PRSI to ease the pressure on small businesses. Is consideration being given to a PRSI rebate scheme for employers that would be linked to lower paid employees and that will ease the pressure on these heroes at local level, many of whom are in the eye of a perfect storm in the context of increased costs?

Sentiment score: 0.43