Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for being here. As he said, it is important we get this Bill passed. It is critically important to our businesses, economy and people. It is about the protection of jobs, ensuring our economy and businesses have access to credit and I welcome the Minister of State's speech and contribution. It is extraordinary in that little did we think we would be in the middle of an immoral and wrong war or a cost-of-living and energy crisis as we emerged from Covid and, I suppose, a staffing issue with regard to myriad areas in industry. Accessing finance has never been more critical. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy English, on his hands-on approach as he toured the country. I have seen him first hand engaging with, listening to and bringing back to his Department the views, concerns and ideas of SMEs. I thank him most sincerely for that. I know he was in Cork recently and those he met were very impressed by his candour, sincerity and ability to understand and pick up on the minutiae of what they were talking about.

It is important we do not make it difficult for industry and business. It is important we make it easy and cut back the bureaucratic red tape to make it more simple for businesses and assist and support their needs. Never before have we needed a hands-on approach to business. While I am on my feet, I will welcome a former colleague and friend, Tony Dodd, who has been a long-standing member of the Houses of the Oireachtas staff and his friends to the Gallery. It is good to see him again. Retirement suits him. It is a good ad for it.

Financial costs have increased because of this needless and immoral war on Ukraine. The weaponisation by Russia of the Ukranian winter, energy and water is appalling. I urge all Members of the House to impress upon every country and friend we have among the decision-making powers that be to impress upon Russia that what it is doing is so wrong and immoral. We all know the effects on Ukraine and its people. Senator Cassells gave a wonderful speech in Poland last week and, during the Order of Business today, Senators Boyhan spoke about it being easy for us to turn a light off for 60 seconds and shine the light on the roof or ceiling of a building but it is about the impact it is having on the gnáthdhuine, that is, the man, woman, child, old person or worker. Last weekend we saw the person on the news with Tony Connolly speak about how the ordinary person is trying to manage in a war situation without any power, heat or water. Just imagine.

Consumer confidence saw a little drop this month in our own country. Looking at the remarks of the economist, Austin Hughes, one would have to be heartened the budget measures have succeeded. The Bank of Ireland economic policy has warned of a mixed economic outlook. I received a briefing this morning from the president of the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Joe Kennedy. The point it has been making to me with regard to Cork and hoteliers is that Cork tourism is facing stark headwinds. Hotel energy costs are now 10% to 12% of total revenue where they were 4% in 2019. A 70-bedroom hotel has an annual energy cost of €380,000. Hotels face challenges from business costs and reduced forward bookings.

The temporary business energy support scheme is welcome but I am told by the Irish Hotels Federation, IHF, the qualification criteria for hotels are restrictive. I look forward to teasing this out with the Minister for Finance with regard to the Finance Bill and maybe with the Minister of State given the loose connection to this Bill. I will give Members an example with regard to hotels. The cost of food supplies is up by 25%; beverages are up by 16%; and linen and laundry are up 30%. That is a stark rise before one adds in the issue of staffing and skills and the uncertainty around the 9% VAT rate. I know many of us, including Senator Crowe, are asking Government about the continuation of the 9% VAT rate and championing such a continuation.This is about the protection of jobs in many parts of our economy, a matter on which the Minister of State has been strong. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, has been addressing upskilling through apprenticeships. The Ukraine credit guarantee scheme will support a wide variety of communities and sectors. The Minister of State referenced farmers, fishers and small mid-caps with fewer than 500 employees.

I like the idea of flexibility from the European Commission. I hope that Europe will consider applying flexibility to many of our sectors, including SMEs, which are the heart of our communities. As we approach Christmas, I ask people to please support local wherever they are. On the Order of Business, Senator McGahon spoke about Dundalk being the pioneer in supporting small local enterprises. It is critical that we do so. We must support the people who give employment and create incomes that are spent locally. I appeal to the Minister of State and the Government to continue the supports. The Government was not found wanting during Covid and we have not been found wanting in this context so far. Flexibility will be needed. I look forward to supporting the Bill and having it enacted as a matter of urgency.