I sympathise with my colleague, Senator Craughwell, on the loss of his wife, Helen. It has been a tough few months for the Galway man.

Ahead of budget 2027, I will raise the challenges being faced by pubs across the country and the need for these to be addressed as part of the budget. Other countries are also facing these issues and have taken some action. I have spoken in the House before about the significant measures France has taken. Even closer to home, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged a further 20% cut in business rates next April in addition to the 15% cut provided last April. He has also spoken about how this is only the first step as regards the measures his Government will take to support the bar business. We have to see similar action in Ireland to support thousands of family businesses across the country that provide tens of thousands of jobs, often in small rural towns and villages where jobs are not easily replaced. The Vintners Federation of Ireland is pressing for the Government to introduce a system of tax credits for the sale of draught beer. The tax credit would be valued at €20 per 50 litre keg of beer, with pubs eligible to claim a maximum of €20,000. This would have a significant impact for smaller pubs across the country.

The extremely high level of alcohol taxation in Ireland in comparison to the rest of Europe is actively harming the sector. Recent research from Dublin City University found that people in Ireland pay the second highest rate of excise duty on a pint of beer in the EU. Frankly, it is past time for the Government to take action on this. Budget 2027 must finally deliver an excise cut. I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House would raise this with the relevant Ministers.