David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I join Senator Darragh O'Brien in asking the Leader why the debate on pre-budget alternatives is not scheduled for today, tomorrow or Thursday. The Leader indicated last week that time would be provided. In tandem with Senator O'Brien, I await his response.

I raise with the Leader the retail sales index figures which were published yesterday, which show that apart from the motor trade the volume of business reduced in October by 0.2%. Over the past year the volume of trade has reduced by 3.8%. Over the past four years we have lost 55,000 retail jobs with an additional 40,000 retail jobs in jeopardy. I sought a proper, constructive debate on the retail sector on two occasions last week. It is a sector that is struggling. It has been hit hardest because of the recession because so many have lost their jobs and so many pay packets have been taken out of the local economy. I met with the chamber of commerce in Waterford yesterday. Chambers Ireland and many business advocate groups are concerned about the impact of the recession on many small retailers. They are also concerned about the potential 2% VAT increase and the impact that will have.

There were calls last week by a number of Senators on the need to buy Irish. There is a real need for us to have a proper discussion and debate in this House on the retail sector and its future and for us to hear practical proposals.

To finish on a positive note, I join in Senator Bradford's call for constructive debate in this House. I pay tribute to the Leader on the Seanad Public Consultation Committee meetings that took place last week and this week. It is a new departure. When we call for debates on important issues it should not simply be about Ministers coming to the House; we should be able to do work ourselves. For example, the committee had a discussion on older people. Through that structure we could bring forward papers, practical proposals and action plans that could go to the Government. We could do the same on the economy and the retail sector. This is a valuable opportunity for the Seanad and I hope the Leader and the Chairman of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee will listen to the calls being made on a range of issues and use the committee which could provide an opportunity to bring in organisations representing the retail sector and listen to what they are saying. I have spoken to many retailers in Waterford who are working for less than the minimum wage simply to keep their shops open and people in employment. The difficulties in the retail sector need to be debated in the House in which positive and constructive proposals from all groupings and parties could be put on the table and some hope offered to people who are struggling.