Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When it comes to the TBESS, our intention is not to exclude companies that have warehoused tax debts. It is to exclude companies that have not paid their taxes. It would not be the intention to exclude them but I thank the Deputy for flagging the issue. I will make sure it is on my list of matters to discuss with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, so that when we design the scheme we do not inadvertently exclude such companies.

In regard to the subsidy we are offering businesses, it amounts to 40% of the difference in the bill. The EU rules state 30% so we will have to get state aid approval for 40%. That is as far as we can go under the current rules. Those EU rules are there for a reason, namely, to protect taxpayers' money, make sure we do not over-subsidise business and ensure we do not create competitive distortions whereby one government in Spain subsidises its business to a certain amount and the government in Portugal does not. That does not arise so much for us, given our geographical position, but those EU rules are there for good reasons. They may be a little strict. I had a good meeting with the Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, last week.

On public procurement I hear what the Deputy says. We want Irish companies, SMEs, to get public contracts. We also want to make sure that projects are completed on time and as inexpensively as possible for taxpayers. That must be borne in mind.

In regard to supermarkets, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, is setting up an office of the food ombudsman which will be an important office. I do not believe that supermarkets are cartels. There is fierce competition among the supermarkets and they employ a great many people. They pay relatively well compared with-----