Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thought Senator Coghlan was being referred to as the Malawi bull. Like previous speakers, I wish to thank the Cathaoirleach and the staff of the House, those who work in the kitchens, the bar and the restaurant, the ushers and everyone else, for the courtesy shown to me during the past 12 months.

I wish to refer to some good news relating to small and medium-sized businesses that was announced yesterday by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, and his Minister of State, Deputy Perry. I refer to the fact that small and medium-sized retail interests will be able to apply for all of their annual licences - we are all aware of the difficulties and requirements in this regard - via a single portal by the end of 2013.

This was a Government plan to reduce the administrative burden of licensing requirements. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, said that a key part of the Government's plan for jobs and growth is to reduce costs for businesses to make it easier for them to start up, expand and create the jobs we badly need. Yesterday's announcement is part of a range of actions being taken by Government to improve competitiveness and to reduce red tape, including a series of tax measures aimed specifically at SMEs.

Ba mhaith liomsa freisin Nollaig shona dhiabh go leir sa Teach seo, leis an Cathaoirleach agus gach duine. Le cuineamh Dé go mbeidhimid sa seomra seo ag an am seo arís.