Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

The former Minister for Finance, God rest him, put it up by 0.5% but it was an utter failure and he had to reduce it after six months. Putting it up by 2% was a disaster. Tax credits and allowances were also reduced.

The Central Statistics Office, CSO, figures today confirm what everyone knows – businesses are closing down due to many factors such as lack of credit, high rates and so forth. Nothing is being done for small businesses. The Minister earlier referred to the ESB helping competitiveness. The energy regulator has given price increase after increase to the ESB and Bord Gáis. The Government should insist there are no more increases in energy costs and drive them downwards instead. I have been in business 30 years and know of many similar businesses, some even in business for 50 years, that are going to the wall.

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