Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Does he understand the levels of fear and despair in towns, cities and villages all over Ireland for businesses that are in very serious trouble, particularly in the retail sector, the hotel and licence trade, and businesses dealing with tourism? Does he know how many such businesses went to the wall in 2010, and how many are likely to go to the wall in 2011? Has the Government any proposals to assist such businesses?

Many of the retail businesses are closing. We heard the unfortunate story of the collapse of the bookie's business of a former Member of this House, Mr. Ivan Yates. That business was typical of many. The rents that businesses are paying on shops and the lease costs are such that they are not capable of being met under the current deterioration in trade. For the past two and a half years the Labour Party has asked the Government to change the upward-only rent review rule on existing leases so that businesses can renegotiate with their landlord a lower rent plus a profit share if profits return. There are many workable models in other European countries. Has the Minister any intention in the remaining months of the Government of doing anything to help the struggling businesses, many of which are dying, in every town, village and city in this country?

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