Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I have acknowledged that there is less money in circulation and a reduction in domestic demand, but I also asked the Minister to acknowledge the State’s responsibility and the costs the State can control such as rates. The payment of rates should be based on a business’s ability to pay according to profits made not on an archaic basis such as the size of a premises. It was a core commitment of the Labour Party before the general election to deal with upward-only rent reviews but that did not happen. Energy costs have been allowed to increase, not just in the past two years but prior to that also. It should not be allowed. They are the three major costs associated with doing business in this country.

I asked about the spatial strategy for Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar but I do not expect the Minister of State to respond today. He might refer the matter to the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan. I also inquired whether it would be possible to roll out the living city initiative that has been introduced in Limerick to larger towns throughout the country. I further inquired about the detrimental effect cuts to Leader funding is having on businesses and chambers of commerce that are trying to do their best for businesses in towns.

The Minister of State asked what constructive proposals Fianna Fáil had made. We launched a document called Streets Ahead, which is a new vision for keeping Inish towns alive.

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