Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In regard to Waterford, I am looking forward to visiting the city and county earlier in the New Year with my colleague, Deputy Ciara Conway. During my visits to all areas across the country I will be meeting with retailers. I have a particular interest in trying to support the retail sector given the experience it has had over the past few years. Tomorrow, I will be visiting Carlow and some exemplars in the field of retail to discuss their concerns in regard to how Government and other agencies can support the retail sector.

Some 50,000 jobs were lost in the retail sector between 2008 and 2012. Approximately 10% of our workforce is employed in retail across every town, village and city in this country. I know I speak for every Deputy in this House and for every Member of the Oireachtas when I express concern for the retail sector. Key to supporting retail is ensuring consumers have confidence and adequate disposable income to spend.

In regard to the online trading scheme, the amount of resources available for the scheme this year has been doubled because, as the Deputy will be aware, there is enormous leakage to other markets. I am aware of the Deputy's concern in this matter. We are acting on it.

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