Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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399. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific measures he is taking to support the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52116/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses and I am aware of the issues facing retailers across the country.

The establishment of the Small Business Unit within my Department is a recognition of the importance that the Government places on small businesses. We have simplified access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub and are ensuring the Local Enterprise Offices are properly resourced to help small businesses.

There are currently a broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding, to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail that can be found on the National Enterprise Hub. Two such supports are the Energy Efficiency Grant which now offers grant assistance of up to a maximum of €10,000 and the Grow Digital Voucher which offers up to €5,000. The Green for Business and the Digital Business schemes are also open to small businesses across all sectors at no cost to the businesses themselves.

In 2024, the Government introduced the Power Up grant and Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme which paid out over €400 million to businesses right across the country. Included in this was a second ICOB payment and €4,000 Power Up grant for businesses in the retail sector.

The Programme for Government also commits to publishing a Retail Crime Strategy with targeted actions to reduce retail crime and support affected businesses. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has commenced preparation of this Strategy.