Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I convey my sympathies and those of the Fianna Fáil group to the families of Garda David Hearne and Garda John McCallion who passed away at the weekend. Garda Hearne was from Fethard-on-Sea in County Wexford, a village where I spent many of my holidays. He was a recipient of bravery awards for his work with the Coast Guard. He tragically passed away in a diving accident at the weekend. I convey my sympathies to his family and to the community in Fethard-on-Sea. It is a small fishing community which has, unfortunately, lost another one of its members. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Following the European and local elections, I wish to personally congratulate all the candidates around the country who were brave enough to put their names forward. I congratulate those who were elected and commiserate with those who were not elected. It takes a great deal, as we all know, to put one's name forward. Candidates put themselves on the line and leave themselves open to criticism. We should encourage people to put themselves forward for election. We should also encourage businesses to allow their staff to go forward for election. It is a really important part of our democracy and we are seeing a shortage of people putting themselves forward because of work commitments. Businesses should encourage staff to run for elections, especially local elections.

We all know the impact the turbulence of Brexit will have on small businesses, which are already facing extraordinary annual increases in rates, rents and insurance costs. Insurance costs are multiplying year on year and it is becoming a real struggle for many businesses to keep their doors open. We learned today that a play centre in Lucan which has been open for 25 years has had to cease half of its activities due to significant insurance increases. The Government has paid lip service to reducing insurance premiums. We have dallied with the Judicial Council Bill but we have not seen firm action by the Government to support small businesses that have to meet these overheads, which are set in stone. I would welcome a debate in the House on insurance premiums. Small businesses are crying out for the Government to intervene and do something because insurance costs are leaving them hamstrung.