Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Ryan. I note that Ms Hegarty said she would anticipate and engage with the Department of Finance if the Revenue Commissioners believe that a crisis is emerging. We in the political sphere believe a crisis is emerging. I am the product of a small family business which reared and educated me and a few others and was good to us in times when retail and that type of business were different from what they are now, and I accept that. However, it is surprising and disappointing to hear that it was anticipated there would be 400,000 recipients and the figure that materialised was only 25,000, even after the 50% rate was reduced to 30%. The payments and caps were increased. There were monthly payments. The deadline was extended. The rate on late payments was reduced from 3% to 0%. The deadline was extended. Other schemes have also been mentioned and yet family businesses and small businesses are facing considerable difficulties in addition to the normal run of events in January. Energy costs remain high. Rising prices are associated with the delivery of their products and services. As has been said, the availability and cost of staff are issues. Auto-enrolment is coming in this year. Tax debt warehousing and VAT rates are also issues. We believe there is a need for a new package to help that sector. We think that is possible and may be probable because of the lack of take-up of other schemes, which, in hindsight, might not have been properly designed to deliver for those who need help most. Some 70% of those availing of the debt warehousing scheme have a debt of €5,000 or less. That might not seem much but when it is combined with all those other factors, it is the difference between staying in business and not staying in business. We, as a committee, believe it is crucial that an assessment take place sooner rather than later. The statistics should be imminent and that will allow us to make the political argument to those in government that we should bring forward a package which is vital for that sector. I am sorry to have taken up the Deputy's time.