Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move recommendation No. 12:

In page 76, after line 32, to insert the following:

“Report on the operation of the Retail Export Scheme

47. The Minister shall, within six months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the operation of the Retail Export Scheme.”.

At last this is something we can all agree on. I know from all sides of the House there was genuine concern, and rightly so, regarding the retail export scheme and the changes in that respect. Notwithstanding that we made some progress in reducing the imposition to €75, it is still not enough. We heard that from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party - every party in the House. I expect the Minister of State will agree with the recommendation that a report be done on the impact of this scheme. I cannot imagine why he would object to it. That is important because many small businesses depend on this scheme operating effectively. As the Minister of State will know, Members across the House are very concerned about this. I look forward to him reassuring me this recommendation will be accepted and that he will stand with Senators across all parties, including my colleague, Senator Casey, who has spoken passionately on this issue, and grant this report.