Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach knows there are huge cost pressures on small- and medium-sized businesses. Irish retailers support more than 370,000 jobs in every part of our country. Many retailers I have spoken to are concerned about the medium- and long-term viability of their businesses. Our retailers provide a great service to their customers and to our local communities. The landscape of the Irish high street as we knew it has changed dramatically, and unfortunately for the worse. Walk down a principal street in any town today, and if there are businesses, they are principally in the services area and not the traditional shops selling drapery, groceries, gift items, hardware or household items. International corporations trading in e-commerce and selling products online pose particular difficulties for small- and medium-sized Irish businesses trading online too. Government-imposed costs on retail need to be reduced and the Government needs to prioritise the retail sector for support. It is a sector that contributes much to employment in every parish in our country.

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