Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I refer to two points that Deputy Hogan spoke about. The Minister for Finance spoke about patriotism and Fianna Fáil always wraps the green flag around itself when it is in difficultly. I am very surprised that Fianna Fáil is complaining about people crossing the Border. Since the foundation of the State, Fianna Fáil has never recognised the Border. It always said the Six Counties were part of Ireland, and I agree. I do not see any difference if people shop in the South or the North. I am surprised because Fianna Fáil was a great party for wrapping that old green flag around it.

Deputy Hogan spoke about rip-off Ireland. They are talking about wearing the green jersey again. When some businesses had the opportunity, they ripped the jerseys from the men and women of this country and robbed them left, right and centre — rip-off, rip-off, rip-off. There is a God above, times turn and times change. Now they must compete. What really upsets me is that we had a Government and a Minister who did nothing.

With the petrol and diesel price problem, what did the Government do when retailers would not bring down the price while the country was on its knees? Petrol and diesel were being bought on the world trade market at a reasonable price, but retailers here would not pass the price on. There was no patriotism there. Now the time has come when the Government should deal with these problems.

Small businesses have been attacked by Fianna Fáil, which always talked about being the party of small business. They have hurt, attacked and robbed small businesses. Last week, I was travelling on the N5 and went through the toll. A sign informed me that from next Monday the toll fee would increase by 10 cent because of the rise in VAT. I calculated it at home and the VAT increase was 1.5 cent. Rip-off Ireland is still at its best and they charge people 10 cent instead of 1.5 cent. That has been going on for too long and now they want people to be patriots and pay above the odds. Businesses should make prices competitive.

It is time we took on Tesco and Marks & Spencer. Why should they charge Irish citizens more than they charge citizens in Britain? Why does our Government not bring them into the Department and tell them that if they want to trade in Ireland they must treat our people equally, not charging them dearer prices than in England?

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