James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I detect from the Minister's reply that there will be an extra cost on ratepayers. Will provision be made for a hardship fund to help a business overcome when it is hit by hard times or a natural calamity? Many public houses and food outlets in small towns and villages are hit by these charges. These traders claim their incomes are down considerably on what they were five years ago because of a changing entertainment culture in rural areas. Rural areas do not have the same volume of taxis as urban areas to transport people from public houses and restaurants. In many areas, people have to wait up to four hours for a taxi. This needs to be addressed.