Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister correctly indicated that what Ireland is trying to achieve or must achieve now is the equivalent of a devaluation. We must do it by pushing down wages, prices, fees and charges. I wish to put two simple suggestions to the Minister. Would he consider leading this by at least agreeing to a freeze on every charge made by the State, so that no charge would be increased by the State? Second, would he consider an initiative to target rip-off wherever it is occurring, be it in the board rooms or on the high street? I can offer an example. I went into a shop today and was told by the proprietor that his rent had increased by 100% last December. Although trade has collapsed, there is no question of him negotiating an agreement to reduce it. Is that not immoral? It is economic suicide for this country if some people can increase their rents in that manner at a time when the Minister is, rightly, trying to get costs down. Will the Minister take the lead in a campaign to drive down these costs, which are really hurting our ability to trade our way out of this problem?

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