Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister here again. He is very fond of us. I support Senator Barrett's amendment. He has made his case very well. Clearly Ireland is much more expensive than other countries in certain areas and, therefore, it seems sensible that attention is drawn to the areas. Like him, I am opposed to more Government interference but I do not regard his amendment as such. All we ask is that the competitiveness council examines the situation. There are areas where we are uncompetitive and the Senator has touched on a couple of them. There must be some reason for our uncompetitiveness. The reason may be valid and logical but at least an investigation should take place. Therefore, I support amendments Nos. 1 and 4.