What supports are currently available to the retail sector and are any additional measures being considered to assist retailers facing increased operating costs? I have asked this question previously on a lot of occasions, and the answers the Minister of State gave me, to be honest, just do not land with retailers on the ground.

Sentiment score: 0.53

I welcome the supports that are in place and acknowledge the strong work being done for small and medium-sized enterprises by local enterprise offices, LEOs, and Enterprise Ireland in supporting businesses across the country. However, we have to be honest about the reality facing the retail sector. Over the last 12 months in particular, retailers have been hit from every angle. Rising energy costs, increases in the minimum wage and now the additional burden of auto-enrolment are all adding to the pressure on businesses already operating on very tight margins. I have raised this issue with the Minister of State previously on the floor of this House, and while the supports are appreciated, there is a clear sense across the sector that more needs to be done. I say this not just as a public representative but on a personal level. I started my first retail business at the age of 21. I was born into the retail business sector through a family shop at home. I know what it feels like to open the doors every morning wondering if enough will be made to cover the costs. I understand the responsibility that comes from employing people, the weight of knowing that others rely on you for their livelihood. I have lived it. Right now, many retailers feel that they are not being heard. What additional targeted measures are now being considered to support the retail sector in the face of rising costs, including energy, labour and auto-enrolment obligations, so that viable businesses can survive?

Sentiment score: 0.22

Building on that, there is real concern that without further action, small, independent retailers will continue to struggle, particularly in regional towns and rural communities. These businesses are the backbone of our local economies, as the Minister of State said, and are vital to keeping our town centres alive. Are specific cost relief measures being actively considered for the sector, particularly in relation to energy costs, labour pressures and the added impact of auto-enrolment? Will the Government engage directly with retailers to ensure the supports being developed truly reflect the reality they are facing day to day? Talk is cheap. We need to act now and act fast.

Sentiment score: 0.29

I welcome the supports that are in place but we need to recognise the immediacy of the pressure facing small- and medium-sized enterprises right now. For many small businesses, particularly those that deliver their own goods in a fleet of vans, the spike in fuel and energy costs is not something they can simply absorb. These are businesses operating week to week, dealing with rising bills, fluctuating costs and very tight cashflow. Unlike larger firms, many SMEs do not have the capacity to hedge energy costs or spread risk. They are exposed in real time and that is where the pressure is being felt most. They do not have the economies of scale enjoyed by bigger businesses. There is real concern about viable businesses being pushed to the brink, not because of poor management but due to external cost shocks that are outside their control. Will the Minister of State outline what representations he has made to the Cabinet for small- and medium-sized enterprises as part of the package for agri-contractors, hauliers, bus companies and fishermen? Where is the package for companies with fleets of vans or cars, taxi companies and businesses that are the backbone of our community?

Sentiment score: 0.00

They are being left behind. The companies and businesses I spoke about previously, which have fleets of vans and taxis, which rely on vehicles and fuel to power their business, are being left behind. Looking beyond the immediate pressures, there are also broader concerns about competitiveness. If energy and fuel costs remain elevated, many SMEs will struggle to remain competitive, particularly when compared with businesses in other jurisdictions which may have lower operating costs or greater state support. Will the Minister of State outline what longer term measures are being considered to protect the competitiveness of Irish SMEs, especially in energy-intensive sectors like retail and hospitality? How will the Government ensure that small businesses are supported not just to survive this period but remain viable in the future?

Sentiment score: 0.20