Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

It is apparent much more tolerance is being shown this year compared to last year by energy suppliers to people and especially small businesses which are in difficulty, which is to be welcomed. That is the situation from my knowledge of what is happening. Coming on top of the downturn, energy costs are probably among the most crippling for small and medium businesses in terms of their survival. The Minister outlined in a previous reply the level of increase in energy costs, for example, 21%, 29%, 16% and 28% in the various fuels available. The only fuel in respect of which there was a reduction - of 3% - was solid fuel. I cannot emphasise sufficiently the importance, particularly in the current climate, of necessary supports to ensure small businesses survive. Small businesses are especially important in peripheral areas for the fabric of society we are trying to maintain. They need all the support they can get.

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