Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend the sector, which lobbied hard, certainly on social media, not to have this issue before the House tonight. What is being experienced by the sector in rural areas is not being experienced elsewhere, particularly Dublin. I refer in particular to the food sector. It is inevitable that this resolution will be passed tonight but I appeal to the Minister for Finance, who, unfortunately, is not here, to bring about some form of remission or to carry out a review of rates in conjunction with the measure. I cannot wait for the new rates Bill to be introduced in the House. It will allow people to pay on the basis of ability or accrued income where they are making profits. The industry is struggling in the Border region. I firmly believe the move is the wrong one.

I wish to comment on the support for local newspapers. I understand the logic to the argument about their survival. It is very difficult coming from a Border constituency to understand why I can buy a newspaper for £1.30 in Newry when that same newspaper costs €2 in this jurisdiction. There is something wrong with the system and it needs to be addressed, particularly in regard to cross-Border development and tourism in the Border region.

See this speech in context