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

I welcome the REI and SFA representatives. Mr. Fitzsimons said that progress is being made on the guidelines as they apply to NAMA properties and that is welcome given the ban on upward-only rent reviews will not be extended to existing leases. How widespread is the problem of State-owned institutions such as the banks being difficult in renegotiating rent for tenants? I am aware of the IBRC case in Cork. Are there cases where the intransigence of these State bodies has cost jobs or has the potential to cost many jobs?

The timing of the budget has been the subject of comment recently. The Christmas period is a critical time for REI members because so many of their sales are achieved during that period. Is there is an optimum time for the Budget Statement? Should it be brought forward by a number of weeks to give people a clearer run into Christmas or should it be put back to the new year?

The key issue for Ms Callan and the SFA is no increase in the cost of employment.

I attended one of the briefings in the audio-visual room in Leinster House that addressed the sick pay scheme and employer PRSI. It is unfortunate that both schemes fall within the Department of Social Protection, given the enormous adjustment that Department must put through in the forthcoming budget. Can the witnesses crystallise the impact of the measures? People in business are very scared that either or both measures will fly in some shape or form. What would be the impact on existing businesses and their potential to take on new staff?