Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the thanks to the staff in the House for everything they do, from the ushers to the staff of the Seanad Office. Mr. Martin Groves and his team are fantastic in the work they do to ensure that everything is up to speed. I wish them all the best.

The main reason I rise is to discuss an issue I have encountered that affects many small businesses. I work closely with the Limerick City Business Association and the chamber of commerce. Small business is suffering. The power-up grants were great and welcome, but many businesses are falling through the cracks in terms of being able to access them. If a business is in rates arrears or on a payment plan, it cannot access the grant. The 9% VAT rate needs to be reconsidered. That probably will not happen this side of an election, but it needs to be addressed by whomever is in government in the future, especially for the hospitality trade. Hotels are doing well, but small businesses face issues of staff retention, wage costs and increases in the price of food, insurance, etc. Hairdressers are affected as well. They need to be considered. I do not know who the new Minister for Finance will be, but whether I am back in the Seanad or elsewhere, I will be lobbying for small businesses to be addressed. They provide employment for more than 270,000 people, so we need to look after them.