As part of budget 2023, the temporary business energy support scheme was announced. I am sure the Taoiseach read the media coverage late last week like the rest of us. The scheme is limited to businesses that have profit from trade but excludes those that have profit from professions. There is already a shortage of dentists in my constituency. That will worsen if dentists are forced to close their doors permanently of to reduce their hours because of the rising cost of energy. They have no option but to absorb these energy costs because they have to use high-energy equipment, like the sterilising machines and suction machines. What engagement has the Government had with the GPs, dentists and other professions? Accountants will be working morning, noon and night in the context of the income tax deadline. What engagement has there been with the representative bodies of these professions in the context of amending this scheme to ensure that they are included in it?

The Minister announced the scheme in the budget in respect of companies in trade. He did not deal directly with the professions. There has to be an approach to this that is proportionate and so on. We are open to engaging with various different sectors, but the funding has to be targeted at those most in need to protect as many jobs as possible. However, there are also implications for services as well.