We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Retail restrictions enforcement

Summary

Deputy Nash complains that some stores are staying open by claiming to sell tiny amounts of essential goods. The Tánaiste agrees the practice is unfair, says retailers have been told to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the rules, and rejects misuse of essential-product exemptions.

It is nauseating to see stores that should be closed because of level 5 restrictions remain open on the basis that they sell essential products when these essential products account for 1% or 2% of their trade or floor space. New regulations have been developed overnight. Will restrictions be put in place to curtail those practices, which I think the Tánaiste will agree are unfair?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy Nash. I think he is spot on. I met with representatives of the retail industry yesterday alongside the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English. We outlined the rules and received the industry's assurance that it would abide not only by the letter but by the spirit of the rules If a supermarket or other store is allowed to open that is because it sells essential products like groceries or workwear. Shops are not allowed to open so they can sell other products. For example, toyshops are closed at the moment. It would be very unfair if other shops that do not sell toys were suddenly to start selling toys. It would be a bit like toyshops reopening, selling sliced pans and claiming they were not just toyshops but also grocers. We got a commitment from the retail industry that shops would not take advantage of the situation by selling products that are not part of their normal sales and that department stores would cordon off the areas where they sell clothes, for example. We will enforce this if we have to. Guidance from the National Standards Authority of Ireland will be issued today.

Comment on this