Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator White, spoke about the Irish-Russian adoption crisis. I know the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, is doing everything possible to try to resolve this sad and regrettable situation. She has met her counterparts in Russia with a view to finding a resolution. I know her heart is in the right place. I am sure anything that can be done in this case will be done.

Senator White highlighted the need to support businesses and create jobs. She suggested that the 25 new measures we are introducing to support entrepreneurs are practically non-existent. I tried yesterday to outline some of those supports to businesses, but I was shouted down by Senators on the other side of the House. I will try to do so again now. The 9% VAT rate that applies to the tourism and hospitality sectors has created jobs and will continue to do so.