Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
200. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key measures taken to support the retail sector during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73143/25]
View answerThe retail sector contributes to the economy of every city, town and village in Ireland. The sector provides important employment with over 220,000 people directly employed in retail. The programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses and as the Minister of State with responsibility for retail, I am aware of the issues facing retailers.
In 2024, the Government introduced the power up grant and the increased cost of business, ICOB, scheme, which paid out over €400 million to businesses. Included in this was a second ICOB payment and a €4,000 power-up grant for businesses in the retail sector. The Department opened a reclassification appeals process July this year, which allowed businesses, including in the retail sector, that had initially misclassified their business category an opportunity to reclassify. Over €12m was paid out to businesses under this scheme.
Retailers are also eligible for the Energy Efficiency Grant that aims to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment, thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses. It provides up to a maximum of €10,000, with a 75% contribution rate from the Government to support investment in technologies and equipment identified in a green for business, GreenStart or Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, energy audit.
The broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, can be found on the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is an all-of-government service staffed by expertly trained advisers and is focused on helping businesses to access a range of Government supports. The hub brings together information and resources of over 250 Government supports from 32 different Departments and State agencies. The grow digital voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses, including retailers, to invest in technology such as e-commerce software, online booking systems and stock control, which are designed to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in 2025, comprising SME and industry representative organisations, including from the retail sector. The forum held its inaugural meeting in July. A report is due to the Government in the first quarter of next year, which will outline the forum's findings and highlight the steps that can be taken to mitigate rising costs.
In 2026, I will continue to support the retail sector through the Retail Forum, which I chair, that will discuss issues that are critical to support sustainable jobs growth in the retail sector.
