Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I will revert to the Deputy on whether the figures were set out in the budget. The Government has taken several positive initiatives since coming to power, including Pathways to Work, JobsBridge and the action plan for jobs. Everyone recognises that the retail sector is struggling but the issue of rates did not fall from the sky in the last 12 months. The issue existed when the Deputy was on this side of the House but his Government failed to address it. Where will local authorities find the necessary funding if we get rid of rates?

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