Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Thousands of jobs have been lost in the retail sector. Recently, Members from both sides raised the loss of jobs at La Senza and there is no town in Ireland where there are not shops closed on every street. However, the Taoiseach has come out with the statement that no jobs have been lost in the retail sector. That is an incredible statement to make. He also said that prices are going down. Inflation is rising. All the Taoiseach need do is ask any shopper, and he will be told prices are up. Let him ask anybody buying petrol or diesel and they will tell him prices are going up.

I asked whether the Taoiseach was going to bring forward any measures to stimulate the domestic economy and, in particular, the retail sector, given that he broke a solemn promise on rising costs.

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