Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Having talked to local businesses where I am based in Dublin Central, I am aware a deal have been done with some businesses and other businesses have been refused a deal. This is a serious issue. It would be helpful for this committee and for myself if Mr. Graham's organisation could undertake a survey of its members and provide us with the specific detail of its findings. Otherwise, it will be hard to advance the type of ideas the organisation is promoting.

There is very much a common view that we need to reimagine what the retail sector will look like into the future. Mr. Graham referenced in his submission the opportunities the pandemic has presented. In terms of that changed retail landscape into the future, I want to get a sense of the number of staff who will be required. Will more or fewer staff be required? Mr. Graham said stores may not necessarily need the first or second floors as store rooms. With respect to staff, the level of employment is a factor with pay being a very important issue. We heard ICTU detail the serious issues facing low-paid retail workers. I do not know if Retail Excellence made a submission to the Low Pay Commission nor do I know its views on the minimum wage, which I would like to hear.