Latest news with #AlanDillon
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Grocery watchdog receives hundreds of complaints over prices
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has received 445 grocery complaints in the first six months of this year. The main issue raised by shoppers has been pricing, which was the basis of 140 of the contacts. A CCPC spokeswoman told 'Of the 140 who contacted us about pricing in this sector, 61 focused on misleading/incorrect pricing, 27 raised issues around high prices or price increases. The rest were miscellaneous queries and reports about pricing.' She said the numbers were 'very similar to the same period last year', when there were 168 contacts about pricing, 51 about faulty goods, and 45 about advertising. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has received 445 grocery complaints in the first six months of this year. Pic: Getty Images The CCPC is to scrutinise pricing in the grocery retail sector at the request of Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon, in an updated version of an analysis it completed in 2023. The spokeswoman said the CCPC expects its updated analysis 'to be available in the coming weeks'. Damian O'Reilly, a senior lecturer in marketing and management at Technological University Dublin, said he does not expect the CCPC to find evidence of price-gouging. Mr O'Reilly told 'There's no evidence of excessive pricing in the market. 'The competition is quite strong in the markets, which benefits the customers. The supermarkets are making modest profits.' This week, Retail Ireland, a subdivision of IBEC representing supermarkets, shot back at the suggestion of price-gouging. The group insisted Irish food inflation trends are below the EU average and blamed cost increases higher up the supply chain for swelling price tags on supermarket shelves.
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Ministers brace for public outrage as NO cost-of-living supports in next Budget
The Cabinet is preparing for a 'storm' of pushback from the people as ministers rule out any cost-of-living support measures in the budget. One senior minister yesterday said there will 'definitely' be no utility bill supports or double welfare payments, despite growing concerns over soaring prices. It comes as an analysis of everyday food items confirms prices have risen by almost 9% in just one year, well over 50% higher than the overall rate of inflation. Alan Dillon (Centre) Pictured with Micheál Martin and Simon Harris. Pic: File Cabinet sources admitted they are becoming increasingly concerned about the rising cost of families' weekly grocery bills and have asked the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon, to look into the matter. However, ministers firmly ruled out a return of cost-of-living supports, which cost €2.3 billion last year. One Cabinet member told 'We have the National Development Plan coming in the next couple of weeks and the public will see the massive demands on capital spending contained in that. 'Many of our projects won't get funding and there is no financing for a cost-of-living package. We introduced a widening of the fuel allowance grants and there are expanded student grant schemes and other benefits that were guaranteed funding in last year's budget. But a cost-of-living package that the electorate may have come to expect since 2022 is not happening this year.' The Cabinet is preparing for a 'storm' of pushback from the people as ministers rule out any cost-of-living support measures in the budget. Pic: Shutterstock Ministers also cited tightening EU budgetary rules and a deteriorating global economic outlook following US President Donald Trump's announcement of 30% tariffs on European goods as other impediments to a cost-of-living package. Another minister said: 'We'll be expecting a storm of pushback though when the electorate realise that payments that many households came to rely on to pay the bills are not happening this year. 'The voters will also accuse us of a massive pre-election financial stunt, and that will play a role in the next election, the Presidential one.' It comes as an analysis of everyday food items confirms prices have risen by almost 9% in just one year, well over 50% higher than the overall rate of inflation. Pic: Shutterstock The lack of supports for families comes as charity leaders warned many parents 'dread' the summer holidays and forgo even the cheapest family days out to keep food on the table. Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) this week show that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 4.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That was well over double the general increase of 1.8% across 12 categories in the CSO's Consumer Price Index, which also includes energy, recreation and clothing. By far, the biggest increases in that time have been on products that are primarily produced in Ireland, such as beef and dairy. Pic: FabrikaCr/Getty Images However, an analysis shows 15 of the most common supermarket purchases now cost 8.58% more than this time last year. The CSO publishes its National Average Prices list each month, showing the average price of over 40 food items. A basket of 15 of those items – selected as the most commonplace – would cost €97.90 now compared to €90.17 this time last year. By far, the biggest increases in that time have been on products that are primarily produced in Ireland, such as beef and dairy. According to the CSO's National Average Prices data, a kilogram of beef for roasting costs 20% more than this time last year – €15.20 instead of €12.64. And butter has risen 30% in that time, from €3.73 per pound to €4.83 per pound. Milk has risen 13%, from €2,20 for two litres to €2.47, while a fillet of fresh cod has gone up 11%. Tomatoes, potatoes, and sugar were the three items on our list that have come down in price over the last 12 months. Research published by the children's charity Barnardos this week found that two in five respondents to a survey had skipped meals or reduced portion sizes to ensure their children had enough to eat. The same number said they had borrowed money to provide for their children. Barnardos' national policy manager, Stephen Moffatt, said parents are 'doing their absolute utmost to make sure there's food'. However, he added that in doing so, they are 'knocking off a lot of other things' for themselves and their children. He added: 'They're having to go without or cut back on activities for their children, like maybe swimming lessons. It can be days out and these aren't luxurious days out – it's things that children might do during the summer.' One mother reported she can no longer take her three children to the beach. Mr Moffatt told 'She doesn't live that far away, but she knows a trip to the beach – even though there's no cost to get in – is going to cost €20.' Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking in Brussels on Monday. Pic: Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock He said anxiety around school holidays 'comes up a lot when I chat to parents'. He added: 'For some families, it's 'How am I entertaining these children for a couple of weeks?' 'It's not that they're saying they want money to be able to do expensive trips or holidays. It's really the smaller things where parents are weighing things up more. 'There are families saying they would usually go out for a day or literally drive somewhere an hour away or going to visit family – they would just be a bit more conscious now about spending the money on the petrol.' He said families on 'very low incomes' may even struggle to scrape cash together for a city bus to go do something 'ostensibly free', adding that the stressed-out 'psyche' of cash-strapped parents rubs off on their children. St Vincent de Paul (SVP) national president Rose McGowan also said the charity is seeing a rise in the number of families seeking help. She revealed how a mother told her a few weeks ago she was 'dreading the summer holidays'. Ms McGowan said: 'The mother said, 'They're here, they're in and out of the fridge all the time.' 'Where the summer holidays should be relaxing – as in, there's no getting up early in the morning, getting them out to school, etc – she's worrying about feeding them and what that will cost for the month or two of summer holidays.' SVP has reported a rise in the number of callers to the charity and an increase in appeals for food. Of 91,022 calls received so far this year, 53,595 related to food or food and another issue. This is an increase on the 89,270 overall calls recorded on the same date last year, of which 51,239 related to food. Ms McGowan said that whereas once it was once mainly single parents and elderly people who availed of its food banks, the charity is now helping 'more and more low-paid workers'. She told 'People don't think about that. 'For many a year, people would have felt it was only people on social welfare that would come to St Vincent de Paul. It's not like that at all this year. 'Now we have two parents or one parent working, and yet they cannot survive on maybe one or two incomes. They have mortgages. They have rent. It's colossal.' Explaining the hike in beef and dairy prices, Damian O'Reilly, senior lecturer in marketing and management at Technological University Dublin, said the 'beef herd has reduced significantly'. Mr O'Reilly told 'The demand has gone up because we've got a bigger population over the last year, 18 months, and the supply has diminished, partially because of EU measures [addressing] biodiversity issues, water issues, pollution issues and so on. 'So feed, fertiliser and fuel have all gone up significantly in the last year, and that's pushed costs up for beef and dairy products,' Mr O'Reilly added. Conversely, unusual weather conditions on the continent, which demonstrate the need for climate measures, have pushed prices up elsewhere. Mr O'Reilly added: 'Particularly in Spain and Italy, it has led to shortages of things like olive oil, tomatoes and some other fresh produce we buy from the continent.'
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Minimum wage for security workers to rise to €15.41 per hour
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, confirmed today that he has signed an employment regulation order to increase wage rates by 6pc. The pay hike will apply from July 22. Minimum rates for workers in the security industry will rise from €14.50 to €15.41 per hour. The national minimum wage that applies to all workers – bar those included in these sectoral agreements - is currently €13.50 an hour. Minister Dillon said the order will provide a welcome and deserved pay increase for workers in this important sector. He said a well-functioning security sector ensures public safety and is essential for the operation of a wide range of other industries and public services including retail, entertainment and banking. 'I recognise that this is a sector which has seen significant growth and professionalisation over recent years and I welcome that this ERO will provide greater certainty and stability for both workers and employers in this sector,' he said. He said he is strongly supportive of the state's collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms, including Joint Labour Committees. 'This Employment Regulation Order is an example of how effective the committee system can be when negotiations are entered into in good faith by both sides,' he said. 'I would like to thank the members of the Joint Labour Committee for Security and the Labour Court for their work in delivering this positive outcome.' Employment regulation orders are drawn up by Joint Labour Committees and set minimum pay rates and conditions of employment for some industries. The Joint Labour Committees are composed of employer and employee representatives. They set minimum hourly rates of pay for workers in different sectors, including contract cleaning and childcare. The committees' employment regulation orders are adopted by the Labour Court and given legal effect by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
RTÉ News
11-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Increase in minimum pay rates for security workers
The Government is to approve an order to increase minimum pay rates in the security industry. The Employment Regulation Order (ERO) will provide for an increase in the minimum rate of pay for an adult worker in the sector from €14.50 to €15.41 per hour. The Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, said he intends to sign the new ERO which will amend an existing 2024 order and will commence on 22 July. "A well-functioning security sector ensures public safety and is essential for the operation of a wide range of other industries and public services including in retail, entertainment and banking," Mr Dillon said. "I recognise that this is a sector which has seen significant growth and professionalisation over recent years and I welcome that this ERO will provide greater certainty and stability for both workers and employers in this sector," he added. Mr Dillon said that the ERO is an example of how effective the Joint Labour Committee system can be when negotiations are entered into in good faith by both sides. "I would like to thank the members of the Joint Labour Committee for Security and the Labour Court for their work in delivering this positive outcome," he said.
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Jobs boost for Mayo as Hollister Ballina makes €80m investment
The company, which employs approximately 1,000 people in Ballina, has committed to a research and development investment and a digital transformation project that will 'to elevate Ballina into a global epicentre of expertise'. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Founded in 1921 in Illinois, Hollister has become one of the biggest employers in north Mayo since establishing its plant in Ballina in 1976. Speaking at the announcement in Ballina, local TD and Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary said: 'This is a terrific day for Ballina with the announcement of 50 additional jobs for the town. After 50 years, Hollister is more than just a manufacturing plant in Ballina, it is a mainstay of our community. Today, second and third generations of families are employed there, boosting the local economy and contributing to the everyday life of the town.' Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, described the investment as a 'powerful endorsement of Ballina's skilled workforce and Ireland's reputation as a hub for innovation in healthcare manufacturing'. The company manufactures products for ostomy care and continence care in their Ballina facility. It exports to 70 countries and has plants in India, Denmark, Lithuania and two in America. 'To see a long-standing employer, like Hollister, continue to grow and evolve through cutting-edge research and digital transformation is very encouraging,' said Mr Dillon. IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan congratulated Hollister and assured them of IDA Ireland's continued support. 'Supporting Hollister and companies across IDA Ireland's client portfolio with R&D investment and digital transformation endeavours sits right at the heart of Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29,' he added. Shane Caher, Senior Director of Plant Operations and General Manager said the investment 'a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team'. 'We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to deliver on Our Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for those who use our products and services,' he said. Hollister, along with Westport-based AbbVie and Castlebar and Swinford-based Vantive, employ over 3,000 people in Mayo. Uncertainty was cast over their future operations in Ireland US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on various EU goods earlier this year.
