Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for being here and for his presentation. Last week's budget was clearly about protecting jobs, people, families and employment through a difficult time of uncertainty. He used a cake analogy. We cannot take it for granted it will always be there. It is sometimes accepted that we are in a position that other countries are not, which means we are able to give out €11 billion without borrowing any money at all. However, we have also been responsible by holding back some money. Can the Minister elaborate on the rationale behind that? What will be possible in the new year? There is responsibility involved. People have been talking about the €11 billion that will be spent but we are holding back €2 billion, and there will be another €4 billion on top of that in 2023. Where does that leave us in protecting businesses into the new year?

As Deputy Stanton said, many businesses are looking to change their ways and become more energy-efficient, through, for example, solar panels. We have 20 schemes available but when I talk to business owners, they are not fully aware of all of them. Many schemes have become available in a short time and some business owners are not aware of them. We need to increase awareness in that respect. Business owners to whom I speak want to invest in different forms of energy, particularly solar panels.

The Minister mentioned the four or five big new schemes that have been brought through in the budget to support businesses and protect jobs. Other schemes are just as important. Approximately 15 measures to support businesses have been brought through. The VAT rate for newspapers has been reduced from 9% to zero. That is important for local employment in every county and rural area. In my area, the excise relief on cider is important. We in County Tipperary are very well-known for cider and apples. The excise relief will protect jobs there. A number of schemes are available for low-cost loans. Because of the uncertain times we are in, some people might suggest that there will be fewer applications for low-cost loans. I suspect that will not be the case. What is the rationale behind those low-cost loans?