Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Does the Taoiseach agree his Department should lead the development of an action plan to protect small businesses in towns throughout Ireland? I appreciate, as do businesses, the recent measures, including the enhancement of the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS, and the extension of the reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector. However, there appears to be something wrong. For example, a restaurant that has bookings for months in advance, so it is successful, is struggling to stay afloat and stay open because it is becoming difficult to make the margins viable. Does the Taoiseach agree we need an action plan? If so, will his Department lead the development of such a plan to protect small businesses across our towns?

See this speech in context