Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The reason I raise this issue is it is a concern. There is no point in us highlighting the positives if we fail to accept that there are significant pressures such as the cost of finance, childcare, property, labour, insurance, transport, energy and other business services. Equally, I can identify many areas in which we are doing exceptionally well in terms of competitiveness. Overall, however, there are significant pressures within the economy. While there is rapid expansion for the next few years, these costs can often be camouflaged. Owing to increased cash flow to businesses, it can hide these costs for a while, but it is inevitable that it will have a major impact in the time ahead. The time to undermine these pressures is now, rather than in several years when it will be too late. The key issues have to be addressed, namely, the cost of finance, housing, transport, insurance, business services and energy, as well as the cost of childcare which I accept is outside the Minister's remit. The Government as a whole must take responsibility and act on these issues.

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