John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is a joint report.

Many concerns have been raised about the quadrupling of the charge for the handling of every €100 to 14 cent. I plan to raise this issue with the banks. It, as well as cheque clearances, is a significant charge for a small business’s bottom line. I am disappointed they raised the charges for handling cash. Representatives from AIB and Bank of Ireland will attend the advisory group on small business, which RGDATA sits on too, to discuss access to credit. This matter can be raised with them as a follow-on question.

The report on retail trends launched last week by RGDATA pointed out how there has been a seismic shift to discounters. It found that three out of four retailers are seeing consumers buying more items on special offer. Up to 57% of retailers experienced a decrease in turnover between 2011 and 2012, while 16% reported an increase. A key finding from the survey was that half of those who took part in it plan to improve or expand their business in the next three years while one out of five expects their business to be taken over by a family member.

I intend to raise the issue of increased bank charges and stacked up hidden costs for small businesses with the banks at the next advisory group meeting.

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