Yesterday, Cork County Council agreed the budget for 2022. What has shocked the public is the Fianna Fáil-led council has agreed to increase commercial rates by 3% next year in County Cork. This is a savage attack on businesses the length and breadth of west Cork. Businesses are ringing me from Bandon, Kinsale, Clonakilty, Bantry, Skibbereen and the surrounds, seeking a decrease in rates due to the Covid crisis that led to the loss of business. There are also rising energy costs and many businesses tell me their electricity bills are spiralling out of control, as well as the fuel increases due to the carbon tax, among other Government taxes. If a council does not strike a rate, the Government has the right to intervene. As the Government has the power to intervene, I ask the Taoiseach to do so and to refuse to let businesses, many of which are hanging by a thread in the towns and villages in west Cork, be punished with a 3% rate increase next year.

I will not interfere in the operations of Cork County Council. That would be totally wrong. Has the rate been struck? I did not pick that up.

It was agreed yesterday, for next year.

I cannot interfere. That is that.

The Taoiseach can intervene in the-----

I thank the Deputy.