Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I hear the Deputy's frustration. If it was possible to deal with this issue in this Finance Bill, I would do so. I did follow up on the issue and engaged directly with the Revenue Commissioners but they reiterated their view and provided a strong argument as to why TBESS in the Finance Bill is not the best way of dealing with businesses that rely on oil and LPG. I accept that advice and recommendation in good faith. I wish it was otherwise and we could deal with it today and provide certainty. I discussed the issue with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment as recently as yesterday. It is a priority for him and his Department and I know they are actively working on it. There were meetings on it yesterday.

Regarding the estimate of the overall cost, the estimates of the cost of TBESS were provided by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. They were not estimates from the Department of Finance but we will certainly work and be as supportive as we can with our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to get a grant scheme up and running as quickly as possible. That was committed to. I represent those businesses too and hear from them on a regular basis. Dealing with this is a Government priority.