John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but I do not accept Mr. McCoy's statement about businesses having to open to understand what they need. Bus and coach operators tell us exactly what they need regarding specific supports for their sector. The Vintners Federation of Ireland will tell us exactly what the vintners need. I also refer to the chambers of commerce. Carlow Chamber of Commerce and many other chambers of commerce throughout the country have been in touch with me. They know what they need, and they tell me that the trading online vouchers scheme could do better and the new restart grant scheme could do a hell of a lot better. They also refer to the poor information that exists on the rates holiday or exemption.

If we look at reopening a business, it will be necessary to restructure the debt remaining after the financial crisis to deal with this current crisis, even if that means going to a different bank or a State bank. It might even mean going to a credit union. I do not see any of that in place. The banks will not lend money. They are being as disruptive and disgraceful as ever regarding how they are treating this pandemic and the restructuring of businesses throughout the country. The insurance business is simply out of control and needs legislation to be passed in this House to control it.

On a day-to-day basis, other issues include the cost of reopening, equipment and PPE. These are the questions I am being asked by big and small businesses throughout the country. I would like to have heard more from the witnesses' organisations regarding the Government and its response. When I refer to "the Government", I mean officials, Ministers and the Taoiseach or whatever. If that response is not good enough, the witnesses can tell us at this committee. How forceful, however, have the witnesses been with the Government to ensure it delivers for small businesses in Ireland?