Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Eoghan Murphy that job creation and supporting small and medium sized enterprises in the domestic economy are the only solutions to the economic crisis. The Minister failed in the Bill to take action in two areas. Since my election to the House, I have continually highlighted the issue of commercial rates. Small family businesses and retailers, which the Government promised to support by amending commercial rates, are on their knees. Nothing has been done and the opportunity has been wasted.

Similarly, no action has been taken on upward only rent reviews which the parties opposite promised to abolish during the general election campaign. Do the Deputies opposite remember making such promises? I remind the Government that its failure to act in this regard is also forcing small family retailers to close their doors.

The Government promised a review of community employment schemes. When will the outcome of the review be announced? When will the review of DEIS and small schools take place? How many reviews will the Government announce?

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