Written answers

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Retail Sector

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is satisfied that the retail sector here is sufficiently well placed to compete in the market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7530/09]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The current economic climate is creating difficult trading conditions for all sectors of the economy, including the retail sector. In these circumstances it is all the more important that we ensure that Irish businesses remain competitive so that they can compete in the marketplace. In this regard I am fully conscious of the findings of the recent Forás report into the retail sector which showed that in a number of areas operating costs in this jurisdiction were higher than in the neighbouring jurisdiction of Northern Ireland and the UK.

As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am fully committed to ensuring that we tackle those areas of our cost base which are affecting our national competitiveness and our ability to compete. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware of developments in the area of energy prices with the recent announcement of greater competition for domestic users and the engagement by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with energy companies in relation to energy costs for larger commercial users. These initiatives are intended to ensure that there will be significant reductions in energy prices across the board before the end of the year. Such reduction in energy costs will clearly be of significant assistance in protecting employment and maintaining business activities. In addition, the Government has committed under the Framework for Economic Renewal to examining other cost factors such as charges at local level, which I am aware is a particular concern for the retail sector.

In so far as my Department is concerned, a key priority of the Department is to reduce the administrative burden on Irish business by 25%, or €500 million per annum, by the end of 2012. The new Companies Consolidation Bill will radically overhaul company law in Ireland and consolidate the existing thirteen Companies Acts into one. This will result in a further reduction in red tape and cost for business and will improve Ireland's competitive position as a location for business investment.

It is important that we renew our focus on tackling those factors which are eroding our competitiveness. Government, businesses, employees and consumers all have a role to play in helping to restore our competitiveness and thereby ensuring that we can continue to have a vibrant economy with thriving sectors, including the retail sector, providing valuable employment, increasing the level of trade and contributing to the national exchequer. The initiatives outlined above demonstrate the Government's intentions to play its role in this regard.

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