Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Retail Planning Guidelines.

Jack Wall

Question:

213 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the success of the 2001 retail planning guidelines; if such guidelines have improved employment in this sector; if the guidelines provided a fair and proper market position for participants in relation to the guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15697/03]

Jack Wall

Question:

214 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views in relation to a submission (details supplied) from a group concerned in regard to possible changes in the retail planning guidelines and the effect if completed of such changes on the employment factor of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15698/03]

Jack Wall

Question:

215 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of an association (details supplied) in regard to possible changes in retail planning guidelines; her further views as to any such changes in the guidelines; the effect of such changes; her Department's views on the effect of the guidelines implemented in 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15699/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 215, inclusive, together.

Responsibility for the retail planning guidelines lies with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, who recently announced his intention to carry out a review of the guidelines. I understand that it is anticipated that any such review will examine the performance of the guidelines to date and will involve a consultation process with interested parties. Accordingly, any party with concerns in relation to the guidelines will have the opportunity to make their views known to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government at this time.