Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

I know that, and I respect that, but I am only talking about the importance of having it there. The fact is that they now have it, but they are being punished for having it there by being rated. It is difficult for these business. In a few months, they are trying to turn over a profit and make enough to keep staff on board. These businesses are paying for rates, electricity, staff, VAT, PRSI, PAYE, telephones, Internet, purchase of stock, refuse, upkeep of buildings, maybe rent or a mortgage, and then they also have the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and rightly so, keeping a very close eye and making sure they have everything right across the board. The whole point I am making is that, yes, this is very welcome, but I am afraid that, unfortunately, local authorities are taking advantage of this and seeing an opportunity to squeeze more money out of businesses that are already squeezed to within an inch of their lives. I was in west Cork last weekend at a fantastic fundraiser in The Fish Basket in Long Strand and there were maybe thousands of people there.

Fantastic food was laid out there and in other outdoor businesses in Ballydehob, Bantry, Bandon, Clonakilty and Kinsale but they certainly are feeling the pinch. I know that and while it is greatly welcome to have this extension on seating areas outside, legislation needs to be put in place to protect businesses so that they are not being fleeced by having seating outside their door. We must support them. They need supports at this time because the VAT rate is still at 13.5%, although it was promised that it might drop back down to 9%. They need an assurance that is going to happen. That will help in that area. It is a huge issue that needs to be addressed.

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