Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response and for accepting my request that his Department officials meet with the relevant stakeholders to address this issue. We have a window of approximately two to three weeks before the finance Bill is finalised. That is an opportunity for all to sit down and have a comprehensive discussion on this.

I am here today because I have been approached by a number of businesses in the Border region with serious concerns about the way this has been reported and as to how it will affect their viability. It could result in job losses in the Border region. Doing business at the best of times is difficult and at this time it is extremely difficult. Doing business in the Border area is a further complication.I ask the Minister of the State to take on board the concerns of these employers.