Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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98. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for the on-line retail scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6877/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Trading online is an important route for retail businesses to grow and improve. Developing digital capability with a strong online presence will assist retailers to become sustainable, increase their customer base and reduce their costs

Digitalisation has increased the scope for competition in the retail sector, as reflected in the growth in online shopping and changing consumer preferences. It is important that retailers continue to develop their online capabilities and offerings in order to keep pace with the evolution of digital technologies. COVID-19 has accelerated the drive to digitalisation and will be an important element in the recovery of retail in the longer term.

To date the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has provided funding of €18.2m to 503 retailers under three Calls. Retailers awarded funding under the Scheme operate across a broad spectrum of sectors including jewellery, fashion, sports, homeware and furniture, healthcare, electrical goods and equipment and are based all across the country.

The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has helped companies in the indigenous retail sector who have already started an online journey, to enhance and strengthen their existing online presence.

It is my intention to announce a further call of the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme in Q1 2022 to assist retail businesses to develop their online capability and exploit new opportunities such as selling internationally.