John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I thank the Minister for joining us today along with his officials. I recognise the work he has done over the past 12 or 15 months since he took up the role of Minister in this portfolio. He has definitely changed the direction of travel for the better, in terms of being pro-enterprise. He recently introduced many good initiatives on employment, the minimum wage and conditions. What we now need to do is focus on viability, cutting the cost of doing business, increasing our competitiveness and ensuring we maintain the appeal of getting into business today so it is an attractive proposition. Some of the figures the Minister has shared with us today very much reflect this.

When I look at the statistics the Minister has shared, and what has happened with the increased cost of business, ICOB, grant and other supports that were there in a healthy economy, what the business sector wants today is not supports but certainty. We need to ensure that whatever structures are put in place will be there for the future and not only for one budget or one budget cycle. We need to ensure they are there for the longer term.

With regard to access to finance, and Deputy Brennan mentioned this with regard to the development of hotels in particular, there is a challenge in accessing finance at present. It is proving increasingly difficult. Only for the likes of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI, and the initiatives there, we would be in a worse position. We need to look at this issue in particular.

I am a keen advocate of a 9% VAT rate but we need to be cognisant of the fact it will benefit the food and hospitality sectors. Broader retail and wet pubs, for want of a better phrase, need attention. What we really need is support for bricks and mortar to ensure retail remains vibrant. If we can get it right at the lowest of levels it will filter to every level, from local enterprise offices to Enterprise Ireland to IDA Ireland.

Will the Minister provide clarity on enforcement of the platform on short-term lets? The remit is with Fáilte Ireland but I ask the Minister to give clarity on this. The sector also needs clarity on planning permission and where this sits in terms of standards.