Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Government is aware of the difficulties being experienced in the retail sector. The evidence is before our eyes in the streets where we see the footfall is not the same as it was previously. The commitment in the programme for Government was made in good faith and was based on the recognition of the difficulties faced by the retail trade. However, nobody would dispute the Attorney General's knowledge of the Constitution and the legal position, and her advice is very clear. Equally, nobody would suggest that we should have to pay compensation to landlords as a result of an infringement of their rights. That is the advice being received. That advice has been given not once but several times because the Government was extraordinarily anxious to do something for this sector. It is unfortunate it is not possible to do it in this way. There might be other things that can be done to support it. It is not the retailer who is in NAMA but the property developer or owner, and in that context there is a negotiating position.

The Government made the commitment in the programme for Government in good faith but, unfortunately, it has been unable to do it.