Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Cathaoirleach. He has had a competent and capable two and a half years. It has to be acknowledged that the House has worked really well. The Leader and Deputy Leader have managed the show appropriately, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. It has been a good experience. It all comes down to teamwork. The Seanad staff are the most brilliant team one could ever deal with. It is a privilege to deal with them. I acknowledge Martin and the team for all they have done.

This is a sad morning because of the passing of an Irish soldier abroad in tragic circumstances. Only last week I had the privilege of having the Irish Army in Bandon at a Sean Hayes commemoration. People there spoke of the pride they have in the uniform and in what they do. This will rock them to their foundations. I offer my deepest sympathy to the Army and to the family of the private lost in the past 24 hours.

The next three or four months, from a business point of view, could be a major issue for us. Businesses in my part of the world are deeply upset and offended regarding a rate increase of 3.5% in Cork county. This increase in the commercial rate, on top of energy prices, labour and everything else going through the roof, will have a huge impact on their survival. It is about cash flow for the next three months. These are mainly pubs and restaurants. They envisage the next three months will be really tight and are looking to the Government to do things like warehouse taxes such as VAT to give them the opportunity to breathe. They will have a good summer, but they need to get there. We need a debate on how to put approaches and infrastructure in place so they can get over spring. That will be a struggle for them. I am not being political but anyone who thought it was a good idea to increase the rate by 3.5% in County Cork was mad. The industries are on their knees and the last thing they need is a rate increase across the board.

I commend the councillors who voted against it. It was a brave decision to vote against the management but they did it. Logic has to play out. We cannot put more burden on these communities that will be struggling. I fear what will happen in the next three months. We are a tourism operation. The Chair's part of the world and Cork South-West are basically the same in that respect. We will have a quiet spring. An increase in the rate and an inability to warehouse taxes could have a huge impact. If we come back in January, the first debate needed is with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, about the plan in place for the next three months to make sure that these industries survive.

I wish everyone a happy Christmas. It is our first proper Christmas in years.. I am looking forward to it. I have six-year-old twins who have not stopped jumping up and down. Santa Claus is coming and it is wonderful. It is great that we are back out there and that life has really kicked off again.