Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
71. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, amid growing concerns from retailers around increased criminal activity on their premises as well as rising costs, he will outline the steps being taken by his Department to support these businesses which are the backbone of the economy and communities. [19847/25]
View answerRetail and other small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies, and we are working to ensure actions aimed at supporting small businesses, including retail businesses, are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
Issues in relation to crime are a matter for the Department of Justice. I am acutely aware of the concerns of retailers regarding increased criminal activity being experienced by them in towns and villages across Ireland. At the last Retail Forum in March 2025, I heard from retail sector representatives directly on how retail crime is having very real consequences for businesses.
The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of retail crime. My department has engaged with the Department of Justice on these and Retail Forum members have been invited to meet with the Minister for Justice to hear their views on how we can best approach remedies to the behaviours and activities of those who engage in retail crime.
There are also a broad range of supports available for businesses, including retail businesses. The list of supports can be found on the National Enterprise Hub, which was developed by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the department in 2024.
