Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

----- it is not of the greatest urgency at present. The most urgent measure that must be taken is to ensure that small business costs are reduced. I advocate pausing BIDS payments, as well as measures such as the fats, oils and grease charges that many small food outlets must pay, which are crippling them. I hope that Fine Gael and the Labour Party will address such charges.

Deputy English has agreed that the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment must induce the main city centre landlords, banks, asset managers and chambers of commerce to appear before the joint committee to address as a matter of urgency issues pertaining to rents. I was amazed by a statement issued in recent weeks by Irish life Investment Managers, which is the landlord of the St. Stephen's Green shopping centre. It stated that while increases in rent have been moderated or suspended, no rent has yet been reduced. Considering the fall in consumer spending, it is unbelievable that moves have not been taken to reduce rents to reflect the changed economic landscape.

Our economy is flexible in responding to new trends and demands in a global economy. Ireland is in a good position because we are first for real corporate taxes, investment incentives, foreign investor freedom and skilled labour. While the environment is difficult, Ireland is in a good position and as long as we adopt a positive attitude and work together, we can make a difference.

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