Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very difficult to get through everything in a minute. I will make a decision on sick pay before the end of the year. As the Deputy will be aware, having been in the Department when many of the regulations came in, we are trying to take a pace, reduce the burden and put our SMEs first.

On energy, we had a competitiveness summit in recent months. We are directing massive investment in our grid, including through the sale of AIB shares. We will try to put approximately €1.1 billion per annum out to 2050 into our grid to ensure we can get that energy across the country. Four new offshore renewable energy contracts were signed for the east coast and that will be a big help.

We want small family businesses to change the dial. What have we done? There is the energy efficiency grant, with €10,000 on the table together with a toolkit of assessments before that to assist businesses to see how they can lower their cost base. As I said, a deli could save €1,500 on its monthly energy bill. That lowers the cost base. Installing LED lights and upgrading fridges, dishwashers and other kitchen equipment can save a business a lot of money every month. The best way to give businesses money is to not take it off them in the first place. That is what we are trying to do now.

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