Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of the Taoiseach's responses have been illogical and inconsistent. Since the start of the pandemic, I have raised the issue of utility companies and pass through charges. Every business, from hairdressers to big hotels to shops, which is closed is paying a fortune on these charges to utility companies. One businessman wrote to me, telling me he pays €4,000 a month on gas and electricity, just for the privilege of them coming to his door.

Why does the Taoiseach not pass legislation in emergency measures to stop these companies robbing these businesses? They cannot pay the money when they are closed - they are dúnta and obeying the Government's advice. Numerous businesses, such as shops and hotels, those with one employee to those with hundreds of employees, are closed but paying these charges. Big business has been raping this country for years and getting away with it but we cannot pass legislation.

We have a regulator who is asleep at the wheel. We must have legislation to stop this happening. These businesses will be broke. They are broke as it but still paying this money that they cannot earn. They have been closed by the Government. They should be allowed to have respect from these companies which they deal with in good faith at all times.

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