Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Acting Chair on his elevation to the position of Cathaoirleach for today at least. Well done, Garret. He is one of very few people, including myself, who have done it occasionally. It is a nice privilege to get, particularly on the last day before the general election is called. However, as Senator McDowell pointed out, I remember being here two days before the count discussing Covid legislation the last time so we may be back again to discuss some legislation. Whether there will be an Order of Business on that day, I am not sure. This will probably be the last Order of Business.

I thank Martin and his team for all their great work and all the support they provide us, particularly those of us who take the Chair. They are very helpful to have beside you. Equally, I thank those in the Cathaoirleach’s office, the Leader’s office and right across this building. I do not think people realise how much people in sections like the Bills Office have to do to put all the stuff together. I also thank the catering staff, the staff in the bar and my secretary, Sheena, and others who have helped us along the way. It is an enormous privilege to ever be here and it was a great privilege to get back.Hopefully, I can do that again. Who knows? That is a matter for the electorate.

On the day that is in it, we should congratulate the new President of the United States. The result of the US election might not have been the one many in Ireland would have preferred but, as Senator Malcolm Byrne has stated, democracy is very precious. The US is a democracy and the American people have had their say. We wish the very best to those involved in Irish-American relations, with Donald Trump as President from next January.

I was at a presentation before the budget by the Irish Stock Exchange, known as Euronext Dublin. It was to highlight how equity capital markets can provide funding for Irish businesses. In the context of what may be happening globally in terms of FDI and so on, we need to ensure our indigenous companies have access to funding. I welcomed the budget decision to provide tax relief on IPO expenses and on exempting small companies from stamp duty. There is a funding review coming up and an opportunity to encourage Irish people who are willing to invest in equity markets to provide funding for small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland rather than leaving it on deposit. For those with an appetite for risk at a certain level, what I suggest is important. I would welcome further explorations of how we can allow Irish capital markets to provide funding for Irish companies.