Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Based on my experience in business, I support the points made by Deputy Tóibín. There has been a significant focus by the Government and the European Union on reform, deregulation and the flexibility of the labour market, but the biggest challenges are still energy costs, upward-only rents and rates. There was much talk about rents and rates before the election but we have not really seen activity and stimulus in that area. Most of the employment in this country is in the domestic market but businesses are struggling. These are three crucial areas which would make such a difference. Energy is so expensive in Ireland. It would be very positive if, in some way, this Government helped businesses with energy costs, aside from the upward only rents, on which obviously the banks were not very keen.

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