Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In some locations some sectors are doing very well, but others are challenged. With the range of stores in particular sectors, competition becomes intense. We are well aware of the challenges faced by the retail sector. In so far as the Government is concerned, what we need to do is to continue to create a situation where banks can start to lend and provide credit for businesses, including the retail business. In so far as income tax and PRSI are concerned we are trying to give employers the opportunity to hold on to employees and to be able to take on new ones. This is challenging and nobody doubts that. I admit that in every town in the country retail outlets have closed, but I have evidence of new people being recruited in some sectors and this is a small sign of confidence that we are beginning to head in the right direction. The situation is challenging, but for its part the Government will do what it can to stimulate confidence in our indigenous economy and to add that to our export production and to the line of investment into the country to make for a brighter future.

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