Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will start off my congratulating President Donald Trump on his win. The people have spoken and President Trump is their choice. This should be a wake-up call for Ireland's politicians with regard to pushing agendas that are not in the best interests of the Irish people. Rising inflation, the cost of living, homelessness, crime-ridden cities, dereliction, drug-infested areas and no-go cities are just some of the many issues that resonated with voters in the United States. Are we any different here? Patriotism will always win over globalism when the political system does not work for its citizens. We must embrace the challenges that are ahead of us as an economy and engage with the new administration in the coming weeks to ensure that our economy and our fiscal policies are ready to deal with any shocks that may unfold. It is always better to be sitting at the table, discussing and engaging, than to be outside the door. We Irish must always strive for world peace and engage fearlessly for that peace, even with those with whom we do not agree.

Another issue I want to raise this morning relates to the €4,000 Power Up grant the Government has announced. I want to make something known to businesses that are not in the retail and hospitality sectors. If you select the "other business" option on the application form this morning, you will not get the Power Up grant. You must press the button for retail and hospitality businesses. Only then will you get your €4,000 Power Up grant. That is a warning for all businesses this morning to ensure they are able to access that €4,000 grant.