Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the two minutes that are left, I will mention VAT on fuel and electricity in respect of Financial Resolution No. 2. While it is welcome that the rate will stay at 9%, both of these commodities, which people need in order to live, are priced far too high at the moment, particularly for people with commercial premises. I was speaking to the owner of a bakery recently where the electricity costs have gone through the roof. The business may close as a result. There needs to be an emphasis, not just in the budget but in the Government's ongoing policy, to control the way in which prices are rising for businesses across the length and breadth of the country, particularly SMEs, which simply will not survive if we continue to go down this path.

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