Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To respond to Deputy Brendan Smith, the economy is dependent on SMEs. The Deputy is correct in saying that many companies depend on the Northern Ireland or British market in terms of initial exports of goods leaving Ireland and going into the UK market. This is why it is important to us that the UK economy is strong. If the UK's economy is strong, Ireland's economy is strong. Energy costs are significant and that is why we have brought in the TBESS. We have also brought in a range of other guaranteed loan schemes to try to help, right down to the micro company level, and to see if we can ensure that we keep companies operating. We will keep the situation under review because the nature of the costs is significant and severe. Regarding the TBESS and how it applies in the case of Dundalk, I ask the Deputy to send in the details in this regard. I do not know whether he has spoken to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about this issue, but he is looking at similar interventions in respect of other anomalies that have arisen. I think he will be anxious to help in any genuine situation like that.

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