NEWS RELEASE: CRACK THE WHIP WITH THE BANKS: RGDATA TELLS INTERDEPARTMENTAL GROUP

Today, (4.00pm 25th June*) a delegation from RGDATA, the representative body for the owners of 4,000 local family owned shops and supermarkets who provide 90,000 jobs throughout Ireland, met with the Government's Interdepartmental Group which is tasked with progressing the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 in the retail sector. The delegation urged the government to scrutinize the impact that changes in banking terms and conditions may have on creating and sustaining jobs.
"The Action Plan for Jobs will not be delivered unless the Government is prepared to crack the whip on the banks. Recent increases in bank lodgment fees and other changes aimed at making banks more efficient are having a direct impact on our members, their security and the security of their staff and families" said Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.
The delegation from RGDATA, including Dundalk retailer Colin Fee and second generation retailer Hugh Doyle of Donnybrook Fair, Dublin, also outlined other issues impacting on competitiveness for independent retailers.
Dundalk retailer Colin Fee urged the group to consider the impact the reintroduction of the JLC wage regime would have on job retention and creation. He also called for the enforcement of regulatory requirements to stop competitors operating outside the law.
Second generation independent retailer, Hugh Doyle of Donnybrook Fair, spoke of employment initiatives and locational incentives for retailers based in town centres. He also suggested a scheme to allow retailers to expand their businesses without immediate development contributions.
"Strong action is needed to facilitate the retention of existing jobs and the creation of new employment in our sector." Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.

-ENDS-