The Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be in Mayo County Council Offices in Castlebar next Monday, April 22, from 9.30am to 11.30am as it resumes its series of regional meetings on key issues facing the retail industry, particularly the impact of the black market, licensing requirements in the retail sector and future developments in the sector.
Chairman of the committee, Deputy Damien English said: “We are aware of the issues many retailers are experiencing but as part of the on-going consideration of issues facing the retail sector, it is important that the committee meets directly with businesses, individuals, retailers, local politicians and representative organisations to discuss the issues of concern to them in their areas and to hear their stories.
“The retail sector is a big employer and a huge contributor to the Irish economy. But like other business sectors in recent years, it is facing a number of huge challenges in a very difficult economic environment. Among the subjects we will be addressing with the retail industry in Castlebar are: The impact of the black market on retailers; licensing requirements in the retail sector; and future developments in the sector.”
Deputy English said it was critical that a committee with a remit in the area of jobs, enterprise and innovation continues to play its part in contributing to achieving progress on the challenges facing retailers, finding new potential solutions to their problems and promoting initiatives to protect small retail businesses.
“We are heartened that a large number of local business organisations and local political representatives from Mayo are attending our meeting next Monday and we are looking forward to a positive and constructive engagement on this important issue,” he concluded.
