RGDATA is concerned at the Finance Minister’s comments in his Budget 2020 speech about the Judicial Council not being set up until 2020. “Justice Minister Flanagan has told us it will be established before the end of the year. We need this for insurance reforms that will bring down the cost of shop insurance,” Tara Buckley stated.

RGDATA expressed disappointment to see Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe relaxing taxes for independent bookmakers without doing anything to stop them offering bets on National Lottery draws. “RGDATA will be making representations to the Minister to address this issue so that the local community shops do not lose out on €10 - €15 million in retail agent’s fees and the Good Causes Fund is not stripped of  a potential €125 million,” says Tara Buckley.

RGDATA President, Colm Fee last Thursday met with Ministers Humphries and Phelan to discuss the issues surrounding revaluations and the burden of commercial rates.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley chaired a special sub committee meeting of the Alliance for Insurance Reform dedicated to seeking legislative changes to make the duty of care burden on business owners/occupiers fairer. “RGDATA has drafted up a Bill to address the changes needed to the Occupiers’ Liability Act and this group will work together to get those reforms over the line,” says Buckley. “This is one key area for RGDATA and the Alliance as we work to reduce the cost of insurance premiums.”

In a letter to the Committee, Tara Buckley outlined the difficulties small businesses have when dealing with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Click here to read the letter.

SEAI are running energy training specifically designed for staff and owners wanting to learn more about energy management.  The training takes place in the MIdlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Tuesday 22nd October,  9:30 – 17:00.  

Places are limited so register early to avoid disappointment.

This guide sets out nine practical steps that all businesses – large and small - should take now to prepare for the UK’s departure from the EU.  You can visit the Brexit Hub at Government Village during the National Ploughing Championships 2019.  

The threat of defamation is hampering some RGDATA members from dealing with crime in their shops.  Please take 5 minutes to fill in our short survey.

The Independent Alliance has called for a tax on insurance company profits in its Budget negotiations with its partner in Government Fine Gael.  Click here to read the Irish Independent article.

RGDATA members Eugene Scally and Thomas Ennis, two of Ireland’s foremost fresh food retailers, have been shortlisted for three IGD awards.  IGD is a research and training charity involved in the food and consumer goods industry.