Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this issue. It is particularly important because there are more than 280,000 people working in the retail sector across the country. It is estimated that some 30,000 of those workers have lost their jobs in the past year. Tonight we are focused on the issue of rents, but other issues affect retailers, such as rates, wages and other costs which make operating a business in Dublin particularly difficult. Research indicated the 5th highest rent rates in the world are achieved in Grafton Street. For a country which has a population equivalent to that of the greater Manchester area, it is unrealistic and unsustainable, as previous speakers have said.

Retailers in 2009 in Dublin, including members of the Dublin City Centre Business Association, have paid more than €80 million in rates to Dublin City Council over the past year. If the Labour Party is serious about helping retailers, it would ensure its colleagues on Dublin City Council would further reduce rates for retailers in Dublin city. It should reduce rates in line with deflation. The Labour Party could do so and help retailers, but I do not think it will do so. As a party so long in Opposition, it is more used to playing to the gallery than doing anything concrete.

Over the past number of months a large number of retailers have been in touch with me regarding the issue of commercial rents in the city.

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