A Mayo View: An appalling decline in standards in sectors of Irish society

The worrying level of closures by small, independently owned retail shops across Ireland is no longer a headline story because it's occurring so frequently.

But it's disturbing to learn that the decision of many of these small business owners to close their premises is not always down to financial reasons or being squeezed out by the capacity of large supermarkets to sell their products cheaper.

RGDATA, the organisation that represents the interests of more than 3,000 independent, Irish-owned food retailers, including the Spar and Centra outlets, recently published the results of a survey of its membership which revealed that 93% of them were victims of shoplifting, more than 25% had been subjected to a violent robbery, involving the use of weapons, including knives and guns, while 40% were subjected to fraudulent activity.

People working behind shop counters not only encounter regular incidents of mindless rudeness and aggression, but they are also exposed to sexist commentary and attacks, racist attacks, discriminatory and aggressive language, physical abuse and assault.

One can only imagine the toll it takes on those people's daily lives.

In effect, these incidents are not just an attack on their livelihoods but also on their lives.

It is estimated that more than 300,000 people work in retail in towns, villages and cities across the country, providing a vital front-line service in all our communities.

And because of the concerns raised by RGDATA and others, legislation is currently going through the Oireachtas to protect these workers in their workplaces.

Dealing with shoplifting is another nightmare scenario for them as it can leave them open to defamation when accusing a customer of not paying before leaving the premises.

This problem is particularly acute for those operating convenience stores with a fuel forecourt attached.

All of these issues raise a broader serious question in regard to the decline of standards, integrity and honesty in sections of Irish society.

Do the culprits realise they are totally and utterly out of order - or are they simply too blind, selfish and ignorant to see it?