Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for attending and giving us its insights. There is not a lot with which we can disagree in the presentations.

I wish to make a point on Mr. Lynam's reference to a 25% decline in the retail sector because it mirrors a substantial decline in spending power. During the past six years people's incomes have been sliced and there is debt to be serviced. Where does Ireland fit in in terms of the decline internationally? Is the rate of decline in Ireland much higher than in countries of a similar size?

I am glad that Mr. Sealey dealt with the issue of online shopping because it strikes me as the biggest challenge facing retailers. He has made the point that money spent in that way is lost to the country in terms of VAT paid and sales. Therefore, we must look at the issue of taxing online purchases. Will the delegations suggest a strategy in this regard?

Reference was made to the differences between Dundrum shopping centre and Grafton Street. Has either delegation drilled down into research? Are there focus groups? Have people said why they prefer to visit Dundrum in bigger numbers than Grafton Street? Is there an age difference? Is the age profile of customers on Grafton Street higher than in Dundrum or Blanchardstown, for instance?

We all support Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill on upward only rent reviews, but we know what will happen to it, unless the new Minister has a change of heart and attitude. With respect to her, she is expected to make many changes, but I am not sure we will see this one being made. Has Retail Ireland has received any legal advise or assistance to guide us on this matter? There is legal advice available to the Government which states it can proceed.

My next questions are to Mr. Lynam. What is the position for retailers on servicing debt, including legacy debt? Does it affect their ability to grow their businesses and, in turn, town centres? Is it a serious problem in the retail sector?

I mean no offence to Mr. Lynam, but my final questions are to the two retailers, Mr. Sealey and Mr. Parker. Have people told them the direction in which the retail sector is moving? What will be offered to customers who enter through doors of their establishments in five and ten years time? How different will the service be from what is offered today? One can have all the nice streets and streetscapes imaginable - I endorse the comments made - but Mr. Parker is right that O'Connell Street is not very attractive. However, I disagree with some of the reasons he gave for this, but I do agree that there is something cold about the area. What will bring customers through the doors of these establishments? What will encourage them, as he said, to get off the couch?