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

I thank the Deputy. She is correct: the social and cultural importance of a business does have an impact on its future viability. We have seen how members of the public have rallied around local businesses that matter to them during the pandemic and supported them to ensure that they would be in a position to continue to provide services to the local community as the economy reopens. However, I am unable to accept the amendment at this time. It is not because I consider the amendment to be without merit; it is because any amendment to the Bill drafted at this point would mean that we would not have the legislation enacted before the summer recess, given the time constraints. I am committed to working with the Deputy on the amendment later in the year. I hope she will engage with me and my departmental officials on that basis.

See this speech in context