Sir, – In 2011, German taxpayers subsidised their domestic industry and services companies by providing €13.6 billion in grants and supports; the highest absolute level in the EU. In addition, over the four years to end 2012, Germany has approved €646 billion to support its financial services sector. If the SDP wants to do something useful it might be mindful to cut this huge level of state aid that put companies in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe at a competitive disadvantage. – Yours, etc,
PETER BRENNAN,
Islington Avenue,
Sandycove,
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Co Dublin.