Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government was unable to proceed with this matter because of its constitutional difficulties. It is unfortunate for all those workers mentioned by the Deputy. A total of 250,000 jobs were lost in the private sector for three years prior to this. A total of 12,000 jobs were created last year. I feel for those workers. I have spoken to company representatives and in many cases - in particular with regard to smaller companies - landlords are prepared to reduce rents rather than lose a tenant. It is more difficult for larger companies. Not all of these job losses are exclusively due to upward-only rent agreements.

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