Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

I have many points to make. Some of the Minister of State's colleagues decided to insult the people by slagging off the motion. It is wrong to maintain that this motion is a waste of time and is not the basis of a proper debate. Our motion reflects the reality of major problems facing businesses, such as increased Government charges. Petrol, diesel and oil are much dearer in Ireland than in the rest of Europe. Many people are travelling to the North to spend their shopping money there. These are serious matters. For Government Deputies to throw mud at these issues is insulting to the hardworking and hard-pressed people who expect the Government to take action and make changes.

I will not blame the Government for every problem. I accept international factors are causing problems for our economy. However, these have been compounded by the Government's lack of action when it could make changes and improvements to keep prices and business costs down. By doing so, the Government would protect jobs, make it easier for people to spend money in the country and make exports more competitive. These problems, however, are compounded by bad government.

Last night the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment spoke about what retailers need to do. The Government has a stake in this and there is much it can do. The Government talks about retailers getting the message out to people that they do not save money by shopping across the Border. That is a job with which the Government can help.

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