The programme for Government committed to dealing with the legacy of upward-only rents. Yesterday, 300 jobs were lost in HMV and another 600 jobs under threat in B&Q. These numbers are in addition to job losses in other organisations such as Black Tie, La Senza, Game, Pamela Scott, Atlantic Homecare and numerous other smaller Irish businesses-----

What legislation is being referred to?

A total of 50,000 jobs have been lost in this sector in the past four years. Last week the Government published the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Bill which recognises in its preamble that the common good may require permanent or temporary interference with the rights, including property rights, of persons. When will the Government bring legislation to deal with this serious disaster in the retail sector? If legislation cannot be brought forward under the current constitutional arrangements, when will the Taoiseach bring forward a constitutional amendment to deal with this issue?

The Deputy should table a parliamentary question as there is no promised legislation in this area.

It was promised in the programme for Government.

The Government was unable to proceed with this matter because of its constitutional difficulties. It is unfortunate for all those workers mentioned by the Deputy. A total of 250,000 jobs were lost in the private sector for three years prior to this. A total of 12,000 jobs were created last year. I feel for those workers. I have spoken to company representatives and in many cases - in particular with regard to smaller companies - landlords are prepared to reduce rents rather than lose a tenant. It is more difficult for larger companies. Not all of these job losses are exclusively due to upward-only rent agreements.

I have a long list of Members who wish to speak. I do not want an abuse of the opportunity to ask about promised legislation. No more speeches, please. I want Members to ask about promised legislation only and to be fair to the other Members. Otherwise, we will run out of time.