Ms Tara Buckley:

I thank the Chairman and members for giving RGDATA the opportunity to make a presentation to the committee on a number of areas that are of critical importance to the retail, grocery and food industry. The Chairman has introduced my colleagues who are representative of the 4,000 owners of local shops, convenience stores and supermarkets throughout the country. I will ask them to briefly outline their own position, the people they employ in their stores and some of the issues facing them.

RGDATA is the representative body for the independent retail grocery sector. Collectively, our members own and operate more than 4,000 shops. They are present in every community and, collectively, hold more than one third of the retail grocery market. It is an extremely competitive and highly dynamic sector. What sets Ireland apart from many of our European neighbours is that, despite high levels of market concentration and the arrival of large international multiples, it continues to have a strong, vibrant and dynamic indigenous retail grocery sector. In most towns, villages and suburban communities one will find a locally owned and operated store offering great quality and standards not seen in other European countries. The continued resilience of the independent retail grocery sector is extremely important for the national economy.

Our members play a significant role in their local communities. They provide 90,000 jobs and, collectively, contribute an estimated €3.6 billion to the economy, according to the economist Mr. Jim Power who conducted a study for RGDATA in 2011 entitled, Local Heroes - A study of the economic, financial and social significance of the independent retail grocery sector".

The independent retail grocery sector is also a key supporter of Irish suppliers and producers. Without a vibrant independent sector and local family owned shops, many Irish suppliers would not have been able to bring their goods to the market as we are the ones who give them their first break, which will come as no surprise to members of the committee. We believe it makes sense for local retailers operating within the community to show support for suppliers in their locality. This is extremely important.

My colleagues will briefly outline some details of their operations, the extent to which they support local suppliers and some of the key challenges they face in the sourcing and supply of local food and in operating in what is a competitive marketplace.