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

I welcome the Minister of State's reply. I do not for one minute question his commitment in his role, which I acknowledge. I am only relaying the frustration that is felt out there by the industry. I welcome the Minister of State engaging with them. It is important that we retain this ongoing engagement with industry. Will he convey to the Minister the need for certainty around the flexibility of the debt warehousing date in order that businesses can plan for the future?

The report on the cumulative increase in business costs is imminent. If the report shows that the cumulative costs are prohibitive, can we have a commitment that the Government will look at how it can stage these introductions to enable businesses to meet these costs in a sustainable manner? We need to see the increased cost of business grant rolled out as soon as possible. As the Minister of State acknowledged, it is not the panacea but it will help.

Energy costs need to be looked at again. They have not fallen at the same rate as they rose. Many businesses that are highly dependent on energy need additional supports for another period of time. I have given an example of a very successful business which is telling me it is worried about how these increased costs are coming down the track. It is a good business because it provides a quality service with quality staff. We need to listen to it.

The VAT reduction on the food element of the hospitality sector should be looked at to protect restaurants and cafés that are open. When I was fortunate enough to serve in the Department I introduced the small company administrative rescue process. It was an administrative restructuring facility for small viable businesses. I do not think many businesses are aware that the facility exists. I encourage the Minister of State and departmental officials to carry out a communication campaign so that sustainable businesses which are burdened with high costs can carry out a restructure and make sure they protect themselves and their jobs.

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