Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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I commend RGDATA on its presentation. It is very clear to me that its organisation and members are the backbone of the retail sector throughout the State. I also commend it on its minimum wage policy.

The welfare cliff was mentioned which is a big issue in this State. My view is that it is necessary for welfare protections to persist at a higher wage level so that people can go back into those jobs. If one goes the other way with jobs then people will be pushed into poverty. The delegation is right that the protections, as currently structured, force people out of the workforce.

The issue of rates is huge and there needs to be a progressive approach taken. I fully agree with RGDATA's view that out-of-town parking spaces need to be charged rates. There is no doubt that these businesses are part of the business offering but they have a competitive advantage over town centres.

Banks are the Holy Grail of the Government's policy and everybody else has been left on the sideline. That ranges from debt distress to bank charges for cash. Difficulties with getting loans was mentioned. Does the delegation have information on its members going out of business because of the impact of debt distress on functioning business? Have they gone out of business due to debt distress?

Regulation and costs were referred to. Does RGDATA have the cost for particular regulations throughout the sectors? Can businesses say that a given regulation cost their business a given amount of money? I understand that the delegation may not have the information right now. If it quantified those costs in the long run it would make it easier for us to argue either for or against a regulation.

I agree that the grocery model, as constituted within legislation, is archaic and historic and it does not take into consideration the evolution of businesses. What effect have the property and water charges had on business? The conversation on water charges pre-election, in my understanding, has had a negative effect on people's disposable income. People must financially plan around the charge. I would like to hear the view of RGDATA on the matter.

With regard the Border, it is my strongly held view that we need to equalise excise, taxes and fuel policies. We have different types of diesels, etc., on the island which creates a space for criminals to launder fuel and so on. It would be interesting to hear more views from RGDATA on the matter.

The composition of the delegation has led to a good geographical spread. Can the delegation give its view on the two-tier economy that is developing in this State?