RGDATA is currently reviewing the second report from the Cost of Insurance Working Group which addresses the cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. An RGDATA delegation made a presentation to the Group and RGDATA made several submissions on the reforms required to reduce the cost of shop insurance. We will revert to Minister Michael D'Arcy this week with our full review.

Minister Michael D'Arcy published the second report of the Working Group on Insurance Costs on Thursday 25 January. Click here for the press release. Click here for the report.

RGDATA member Eoin McCambridge is a key spokesperson for the new Alliance for Insurance Reform. See the following links for the press release and for press coverage.  The Alliance will be holding a series of town hall meetings over the coming weeks.

A new charter aimed at reducing food waste has been signed by five of the country’s biggest retailers. Click here for the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment press release.

We want to hear from members who have been leading the way in reducing plastic waste. Call us on 01-2887584 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your views.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley raised independent retailers' concerns about unsustainable increases in shop insurance premiums and insurance companies settling claims without contacting shop owners at a meeting organised by Insurance Ireland. RGDATA asked for a full report back from Insurance Ireland on all the issues raised at the meeting.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley will make a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment concerning the Waste Reduction Bill 2017 tomorrow Wednesday 17th January.

Thank you to everyone who has completed the 2 Minute Survey on insurance costs we circulated. We have had a very good response but have extended the deadline to midnight tonight, Tuesday 16th January. This is in order to allow absolutely everyone who has concerns about their insurance costs to have their voice heard. The link to the survey is as follows:

https://interviewing.nfieldmr.com/Interviews/YjPis/GLKkW1Vr5efRtTAgrphI

The Low Pay Commission is now taking submissions regarding the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage for its 2019 report and recommendations to Government.

Click here for further information on the consultation process.

The closing date for submissions is 9 February 2018,  RGDATA will make a submission on behalf of independent retailers.

"Aldi should comply with Ireland's Retail Planning Guidelines instead of moaning about people legitimately objecting as it regularly flaunts the Government's planning strategy to deliver sustainable retail development and vibrant towns and villages," RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley stated in response to this Irish Times Report.