Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. There is not an employment organisation in the country that does not agree with transitioning to a minimum wage, that does not agree with the economic measures that have been done for families - more are needed - and that does not agree with the additional issues around statutory sick pay and whatever, but it is to balance that against their rising costs in an appropriate way. As I said, employers' PRSI is one way. Other tax credit schemes are another way. A further extension to the temporary business energy support scheme and a re-look at the qualifying criteria would be hugely beneficial.

The deposit return scheme is fantastic, but we must acknowledge the capital outlay, in particular, of the larger stores. Some of the smaller stores have exemptions, etc. One retailer, for example, employs approximately 85 employees. These food-intensive supermarkets and independent retailers have huge electricity costs because of the need for refrigeration, freezers, etc. From 2019 to 2023, its wage inflation was 44% and the cost of electricity increased by between 72% and 100%. We must find ways to offset some of this. IBEC, Chambers Ireland, RGDATA or the other retail and trade associations such as the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the vintners, etc., all acknowledge that these are vital improvements for workers. They only want help in offsetting those costs so that they do not have to bear the brunt of them entirely on their own. At times in the past, when things were perhaps better for people, employers were in a position to step up that little bit more. Unfortunately, at the moment they are put to the pin of their collar. While I hope we maximise our outlay for families next week, let us also not wait for the Minister of State's December report. Let us take the appropriate steps at a minimum with a temporary credit against employers' PRSI and an extension and a revamp of the temporary business energy support scheme so that businesses will have some chance.

I appreciate the Minister of State's time and very much hope my words can be reflected in some way in the announcements of next Tuesday, which I hope to be in a position to support.

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