Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As members will know, if they are participating remotely, they are required to do so from within the Leinster House complex. We do not have any apologies as of yet. The issue of shoplifting and how it affects retailers is what we are going to discuss today. In many of our communities across Ireland, the issue of shoplifting and other forms of retail crime is having a detrimental impact and is causing serious harm to retailers. Theft of goods and the antisocial behaviour faced by many people operating in the retail sector have grown in recent years. There have been calls for greater action to be taken at policing and policy level to address the challenges posed.

I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider this and other related matters further with the following representatives: from the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, CSNA, a fellow Limerick man, Mr. Vincent Jennings, CEO, and Mr. Michael O'Driscoll, a member who operates the Spar on Talbot Street; from the Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Traders Association, Mr. Colin Fee, president, and Ms Tara Buckley, director general; and, from the Musgrave Group, Ms Julie Dorel, head of communications, and Mr. Noel Dunne, a Centra retailer in Dublin.

Before we start, I will mention, as we always do, parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements from all three organisations have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Jennings to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association.