Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is an urgent need for financial supports across the SME trading sector. I have raised previously with the Tánaiste the need for specific sectoral supports. I highlight the food processing sector, which is in real trouble, and food retailers. I recently wrote to finance Ministers regarding a south-east food processing company whose monthly bill has gone from €8,000 to €48,000. Just last night, I was in discussion with Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland. More than 650 butcher shops are facing increases in their electricity rates, with bills rising from less than €1,000 to more than €4,500 per month. That is unsustainable. Two butcher shops closed in the past week alone. There is a need for urgency here.

The Tánaiste stated that the TBESS is due to open. When will it be available to be accessed? These businesses will not remain viable for much longer. Many of these small butcher shops are very much integrated in the rural and regional economy and employ between two and eight people each. This is an indigenous sector that badly needs to be supported.

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