Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he will take to address the current serious difficulties in the retail sector which employs thousands of persons across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18571/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The retail sector has been impacted by a shift in consumer spending patterns and an overall reduction in the level of consumer spending as a result of the recession. Statistics published by the Central Statistics Office at the end of March show that the volume of retail sales - including the motor trade - decreased by 1.9% over the period February 2011 to February 2012.

Nonetheless, the retail sector provides employment to 262,000 people in Ireland and is an essential part of our economy, both nationally and at a local level. The Action Plan for Jobs includes a number of measures which will help to support employment the retail sector. These include:

· measures to improve access to finance for business;

· the promotion of greater use of ICT to enhance productivity and increase on-line trading;

· the enactment of legislation to reform the statutory wage setting mechanisms;

· provision of funding for the up-skilling of workers in the sector;

· supports for management development and mentoring;

· the introduction of legislation to allow for the introduction of a Statutory Code of Practice for Grocery Goods undertakings;

· acceleration of the programme of revaluation of commercial premises, which will provide a basis for the adjustment in commercial rates.

Local Authorities have also been asked to exercise restraint in the setting of commercial rates for 2012 and I understand from my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD, that almost all have responded positively.

Other initiatives which the Government introduced as part of the Jobs Initiative last May will also continue to help support employment in the retail sector. These include the halving of Employer's PRSI on earnings up to €356 per week and the reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% on certain goods and services.