Tralee Chamber Alliance

Lobbying Organisation Tralee Chamber Alliance

Date published 16 Aug, 2024

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Budgetary matters

Period 1 May, 2024 to 31 Aug, 2024

Specific Details Urgent need to address the escalating cost pressures on small independent retailers - Budget 2024

Intended results Tralee Chamber Alliance representatives and our members would like to highlight the ongoing and escalating challenges faced by retailers, particularly small independent business, across Tralee and the broader region. Despite the efforts made by the finance and public expenditure & reform departments last year, the same critical issues persist, jeopardizing the survival of the essential contributors to our local economies. We urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues. Specifically, we request: A review and adjustment of the pace of minimum wage increases to better align with the economic realities facing small businesses. The introduction of a zero-cost policy for the first three days of statutory sick pay to prevent abuse of the scheme. Targeted financial support for small businesses to help manage the costs of extended parental leave and the upcoming auto-enrolment pension scheme. Interventions to stabilize energy and insurance costs and address the escalating price of raw materials. Reinstate the 9% VAT? This adjustment is not only fair but crucial for enabling our businesses to continue contributing to the economy, preserving jobs, and serving our communities. Enhanced Gardaí presence in town centres to combat the rise in crime and restore a sense of safety and security for businesses and customers alike.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Colette O Connor - CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (2-5)

Emails and an attached letter was sent on 12th August 2024 from Colette O Connor - CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kevin McCarthy - Retail Steering Committee for Tralee Chamber Alliance to Norma Foley - Minister of Education, Jack Chambers - Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe - Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Pa Daly - TD, Mike Sheehy - Mayor of Tralee.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jack Chambers Minister (Department of Finance)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Norma Foley Minister (Department of Education)

Pa Daly TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Mikey Sheehy Councillor (Kerry County Council)