Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The Deputy knows that when I say we know how the game is played, I mean there is a process and a system in place. I was speaking in a metaphorical sense. We are moving to ensure we can put the scheme in place and expedite it as quickly as possible.

The scheme must be targeted towards commercially viable businesses. We are conscious that businesses have failed in the last while. That is why we are anxious to get the scheme up and running before the fall of the year. Business that are in trouble will not, necessarily, be supported by the scheme. An application must be viable and accompanied by a business plan, with potential projections for the business.

The figure of 2% had to be charged, in line with state aid requirements. In tabling amendments opposition Deputies must have regard to this. State aid rules must be adhered to. We must be cognisant of this in order that when we communicate our respective party positions on the Bill, the public will be made aware that the 2% charge is not being imposed simply for the sake of levying a charge. There is an onus on us to do this.

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