Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach. The problem is absenteeism, which has been created by the State. Smaller businesses cannot afford to take this burden. The Taoiseach is as sympathetic as every other Member and he is aware that it is not just a matter of small businesses being crucified by the banks. I am sure members of the Cabinet know there is a large build up of arrears because of small businesses not paying their rates. Their failure to pay rates is not because they are involved in a boycott or a strike on them but because they cannot afford to pay them.

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