Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope I will leave time left over and it will balance itself that way. I thank the Cathaoirleach for letting me in. I welcome all of the witnesses and thank them. This morning's discussion has been extremely interesting, to say the least. The main points I noted, especially being from a rural county, County Clare, were the need for the rural town infrastructural fund and an office for business startups and, in particular, the information about the need to reform business rates. I was not aware of the difficulties in that regard and the desire of the powers that be to increase them by 15%. On tourism - a big sector in County Clare - I agree with comments about the need for local communities to see a benefit from tourism. That is a real issue in County Clare - people travel there, take a picture and move off. I receive many lobbies from hairdressers, in particular female workers. The VAT rate in the South increased to 13.5%, what it was before Covid. They point to the challenges facing their businesses, on which the VAT rate increase has had a hugely disproportionate impact, as well as employment.

The number of economically inactive people was mentioned. I am interested in that area. Are there statistics? Is it starting to increase? Has there been an increase in youth becoming economically inactive? I would be interested in knowing if the witnesses have that information. The CSO released statistics recently. For example, in County Clare, the best-paid sector is information and communications. The witnesses stated that retail is one of the biggest sectors in the North but do they have any information as regards which is the best paid? I am curious about that because there is a pay discrepancy in County Clare. The difference between females and males is 17.5%, which is quite significant; I think it works out as €6,500. Also, 15-24 year-olds earn the least, quite significantly. I wish to raise those issues today and find out what the difference is in the North.

Mr. Kelly in his opening statement stated that the "... forecast shows that over the next ten years manufacturing will grow faster in Northern Ireland than in any other region in the UK but it also faces a substantial challenge from competition from abroad and rising costs ..." Will he elaborate on those challenges? I would be interested to hear about that. I echo the need and importance of joining up the Wild Atlantic Way. That is it from me. I thank the Chair.