Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to see Senator Conway as the Acting Chairperson. I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response. I acknowledge all of the supports that have been given to small businesses and businesses in general. There is a case to be made, and I am glad to hear, that the Government is monitoring it and will be looking at it. That is a positive step. I encourage the parties involved when sitting around the table in the Department to think of the 280,000 people and their families, who are reliant on their salaries. We need to be cognisant of the double whammy of energy and the VAT rate. Any support that can be given, especially to small businesses, would be appreciated