Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I referred to my colleague, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, who announced a ministerial plan to reform the rates system in the Six Counties. His reform package includes a recognition that small businesses that have not thrived under the previous rates system are in need of assistance. Provincial towns that have not yet benefitted have been mentioned as the areas that will receive rates relief. Recently, I called for a review of rates to be carried out for businesses in the South, mostly in rural Ireland, which are plagued by poor or non-existent broadband connections and basic telecommunications systems, as well as other vital infrastructure including flood protection. The disadvantage placed on these businesses must be taken into account and it is unfair to expect them to pay the same as those receiving functioning, reliable broadband services and proper infrastructure.

I acknowledge the forensic work by my colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, on the recent Finance Bill. An amendment to the Finance Act will severely limit the abuse of tax breaks for non-resident vulture funds. The use of Irish collective asset management vehicles to hold money for five years and thus avoid paying taxes on disposal gains has been practised by a number of individuals. When it was highlighted on Committee Stage, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance agreed to introduce an amendment. I highlight these two cases as examples of Sinn Féin's commitment to island-wide economic equality. While there are two separate Administrations, some of the most effective measures have come from co-operation in the North-South institutions and between individual Ministers. An example is the growth in the agrifood sector. One can only imagine the benefits that would come from an all-island approach to some of the biggest economic challenges facing families and businesses across the country. Again, I urge fellow Senators to read the excellent report on modelling Irish reunification, by Professor Kurt Hübner. If the Leader has not seen it, I will lend him a copy. It is an excellent document that needs to be discussed in the House, with the Minister present to facilitate the debate.