Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

I absolutely understand the points Senator Ryan is making in relation to small retail and grocery shops, which are the lifeblood of many local communities, as we know. They are under pressure, as the Senator has outlined, on many fronts in terms of their viability and sustainability within our communities. Like our post office networks, it is important that people shop local and support their local shops and enterprises inasmuch as possible. The request she has made is a fair and measured one in terms of the backdrop of viability and sustainability, particularly of the smaller shops. The points the Senator made about the potential licence fee vis-à-vis the turnover of some enterprises is also a point that has merit and requires examination. I will pass on the Senator's' request to the Minister for Health to have this matter examined once the judicial review proceedings have been exhausted.