Ms Tara Buckley:

Last week we came before another Oireachtas committee where we discussed a grocery code of practice, red tape, food labelling and a level playing field for independent shops.

We were with another committee last week to discuss a groceries code of practice, red tape, food labelling and a level playing field for independent shops. The committee deals with enterprise and jobs and I am proud that during these extremely challenging times independent retailers are not closing down. They are rolling up their sleeves and getting on with creating jobs and making sure businesses adapt and compete. Mr. Gary Morton, Mr. Rob Murphy and I are not here to whinge and moan or to ask to be bailed out. We want a level playing field to allow us to continue to operate. On a positive note, we have recently surveyed our members to find that over 1,000 jobs have been created in 230 shops since 2011. We are creating jobs. If the Oireachtas allows us the opportunity to compete and gives us a fair, level playing field, we will help it get small businesses and artisan producers up and running to create jobs.

Key upcoming legislative issues include the current review of the retail grocery joint labour committee. We ask that we not be given higher wage rates than other retailers. Keep it level across the sector. The National Lottery Bill proposals mean our retail margin is under threat. We would like it to be ring-fenced in the legislation whereas the Minister has said he will ring-fence it in the licence. That leaves wriggle-room which is why we would prefer it to be provided for in the legislation.

Our Dublin members are getting their commercial rates evaluations currently and are astounded by how much rates are increasing. These businesses are struggling to survive. Increasing rates by 50% or 100%, as is happening for some of these businesses, at this time is not on. We would welcome the committee attacking the issue. We thank the committee for its time and are happy to answer questions.