Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Work is ongoing on reducing energy and labour costs, as well as reducing the administrative burdens in doing business. We have seen some reductions but we will continue to strive for further reductions in the cost of doing business. I listened to the quip and I cannot resist the temptation to remind Deputy Varadkar that all but five local authorities have Fine Gael-Labour majorities, so it is in the hands of those elected representatives to deal with rates. The Deputy should consider that. When it comes to the local elections, if people want change perhaps they should be voting for Fianna Fáil, which is acutely aware of the needs of small businesses.

Having said that, a balance must be struck between the sustainability of the food sector and value for money for consumers. We should not have massive variations in retail sector profit margins, which are not in the best interests either of retailers, suppliers or consumers. If we want to continue to have a vibrant retail sector, such balance will be required. Other retailers are doing their utmost to ensure we have Irish products available. My personal view is that Irish products comprise one of the attractions and while we must take the necessary decisions, that cannot be done in a vacuum. Striking a balance in all those issues will sustain a valuable retail food sector, as well as ensuring that we still have value for money.

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