Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is also important because it has allowed us to become a credible exporter again. Exports have not only recovered to where they were prior to the recession. We are now exporting more than we did before the recession began. That is not to diminish the difficulties which people are facing.

When it comes to motions tabled by Sinn Féin Members on this side of the House often, and for good reason, like to refer to Sinn Féin's record in the North, the Troubles and the terrible things done in our name, without a mandate, in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. However, I will not speak about that tonight. Rather I will speak about Sinn Féin's record in recent years since it formed part of the Government in Northern Ireland. Rates in Northern Ireland, which is the property tax applied in Derry and Belfast, are approximately £1,000 per annum per household. I know bin charges are included in that fee.

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