John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Labour Party for tabling this timely and worthwhile motion. I have listened carefully to the contributions of Members on this topic which is close to my own heart and background. I come from the retail sector as I worked as a grocer in my own corner shop trying to make a living following in the footsteps of my parents. I witnessed significant changes in the shopping patterns of my community, which in turn changed because of the disappearance of corner shops. It is interesting to reflect on how those shops conducted their business. Shopkeepers sold butter by the quarter pound, rashers and sausages individually and cut thin slices of ham. People shopped like this in order that they would have just enough to do them for the day. Those were different and tough times unlike the times we have come through.

I do not accept Senator O'Reilly's comments about us squandering the boom. This mantra is uttered constantly by all and sundry, including the Opposition, yet they choose to ignore how much has been constructed and the dramatic changes in urban centres. The other complaint is society and communities have changed dramatically because of the wealth we created but that has had a positive impact on how society has evolved. An element of growing up took place during that period, when we handled billions of euro instead of millions. We were not just protecting our pennies. We were spending billions and the system, to a degree, was not able to cater for the rapid change that occurred.

I refer to the issue raised by Senator Quinn which is more relevant to what is happening. In that context, regarding the remarks of Senators Buttimer and O'Reilly, this situation will not be resolved by an agency or task force. A combination of factors is involved. Local authorities are currently striking rates, although Senator O'Toole implied the Government was striking rates in every county, which is not the case.