Mr. Sean Collender:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. First, I am in business for 23 years. I thank the Garda for their presence and for facilitating us throughout those years. In regard to the question on the direct impact crime has on restaurants in Dublin city centre, for example, I do not think there is any direct figure we can produce. Unfortunately, in the current climate we are under severe pressure from the many facets of operation of our business that are having a severe impact on-----