The services sector accounts for almost three quarters of the Irish economy and consumption i.e. shopping accounts for half of that. Retailers were walloped by COVID-19 lockdowns.  Now it’s being walloped again by energy prices which are 5 times what they were a year ago.

Another important sector in Ireland is the food manufacturing and agribusiness sector which is also facing soaring input costs including animal feed and fertiliser. Both food and retail are hoping for respite in the forthcoming budget on the 27th of this month. But will they get it? Joining Joe to discuss further was Duncan Graham - Retail Excellence Ireland and also David Leydon, Head of Food & AgriBusiness at IFAC.