Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

Flexibility in the rates system is critical. I am not sure of the timescale the Department has in mind or how creative local authorities will be allowed to be in this regard. A fundamental departure from the current system is required to critically support companies that are struggling and may have been operating in an area for some considerable time. This issue needs to be addressed. The largest problem facing many small businesses is the lack of purchasing power among ordinary people. Unless the Government departs from the austerity policies of cutting wages, increasing taxes and taking money out of the economy, many businesses will not take flight and succeed. I concur with the Minister of State that there are many creative, innovative ideas and expertise in the economy but unless people have money to purchase the products that companies and individuals want to develop, these ideas will go nowhere.

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