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

In my remarks, I acknowledged that the €12 billion was there. I am pointing out the shortfall for retailers who cannot carry the cost of having purchased stock and then having to warehouse that stock, and of having to deal with the banks, which are relentless and unaccommodating in their pursuit of retailers. That is the point I am making. I acknowledge what has been done but I am pointing out where the shortfalls are and where they are serious. I have a special interest in the over-66s in business who did not get support. I give the example of limousine drivers and executive drivers who provide that type of service. They would plead with us in this House to give them some support, even if it was the difference between their pension and the €350 payment.

I am not arguing about what the Government has done. I am acknowledging it and then identifying gaps for the Minister to consider. I have given him two examples and the third is the standard pub, which is an opportunity for social engagement in rural Ireland. My fear is it will be a difficult job to get rural Ireland back to where it was, and it was not in a great space. It will need substantial investment from the Government and that is what I am pointing out to the Minister. I do not think we differ on anything.