Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Dara Calleary TD says the appointment of an Examiner to Debenhams stores here shows the stark reality of the challenges facing businesses in Ireland.
Deputy Calleary commented, “The news that Debenhams has entered into Examinership highlights the very precarious position retailers of all sizes are in. The previous Government failed to provide adequate supports for businesses and now companies across the country are struggling to remain viable.
“My thoughts are with the 1,400 Debenhams staff at this difficult and uncertain time and I hope the interests of the workers will be central to the Examinership process. Jobs need to be protected into the future, as do employee terms and conditions. Debenhams has a significant footprint in Ireland with 11 stores in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Waterford, and Tralee.
“The retail sector is absolutely critical to our economy as it employs in the region of 300,000 people. The difficulties that Debenhams is experiencing are indicative of the struggles being felt by businesses in towns and cities across the country, which are fighting to remain open in the face of escalating rents, insurance costs and commercial rates.
“It is imperative that Minister Mitchell-O’Connor tackles these competitiveness issues to ensure that companies are able to remain viable and jobs can be protected”.