I share in the sympathies of all Members with Senator Craughwell on his sad loss. I know that he provided loving care; may his wife rest in peace. I am very sorry for his loss. I would also like to extend my condolences to the Bonner family and support Senator Blaney's request for time for the family to be allowed to come to the House and for an appropriate tribute to be made to the former Senator Enda Bonner.

It is a great privilege for all of us to be back here after the recess. I was nominated by RGDATA, which represents all the small, independent Irish retailers. The Leader will be aware that over the term of this Oireachtas, I have raised many times the burden of the increasing cost of doing business on small, independent enterprises. They are the backbone of employment, community and service right around the country. Over the summer the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, launched the report on the cost of doing business. It was a result of the work of his Department and all the stakeholders. I commend everyone who contributed to that report. We are hearing all the time about increasing costs and the cost of living. Small businesses have experienced energy cost increases of almost 50%, while insurance costs have increased by over 26% and labour costs by over 15%. These are real costs which in many cases are preventing the businesses from growing, expanding their services or even being sustained. I would like the Minister to be invited to the House at the very earliest opportunity to outline the Government's priorities. There were 63 recommendations to improve the ability of small business and enterprises to compete, not just here in Ireland but internationally. I would like the Minister to outline to the House how the Government intends to prioritise the 63 recommendations and how their implementation will be monitored.