Mr. Stephen Sealey:

I clarify that I am not coming here asking the Government to do a load of stuff. I am asking the Government to create a framework in which local authorities can deliver to us a clean and well-maintained environment and in which sufficient resources are applied to policing to provide a safe environment. After that, we will get on and do it.

I see the Internet as a tremendous opportunity. Perhaps we came to it late, but that was because of cost and complexity. To have 90,000 items photographed, videoed and placed online is a significant undertaking. I will have committed €4 million to it. It is a cost but I felt the time was now right. We have embraced it wholeheartedly and will deliver a world-class online experience which we export across the world.

Senator Mary White said it all about the filth. We pay €25,000 a year on top of our rates to have the street outside our store power-hosed three times a week. They power-hose all three sides of the store on the street to 2.5 m from the front. That is what we have to do. Even then, one must question the material chosen, which was Senator White's exact point. Even after power-hosing, it is grubby and dirty. However, we get on and do it.

Everyone has talked about the retail experience. There is a great deal of innovation in Ireland. I have not spoken about the mentoring we do with Irish designers. Every year, we hold a promotion called "Create" in respect of which we meet with Irish designers, offer them advice on manufacture and fit and showcase them in the store. It is one of a number of unique initiatives we do and it is all about bringing the personality back into retail. I am confident that given the minimal support of a clean, safe place to do business, we can get on and do the rest.