Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators. I was watching some of the debate on the screen in my office, as I had another meeting. The Minister, Deputy McConalogue, had to leave, but I thank Members on his behalf for contributing to today's debate.

It is clear there is widespread welcome for this legislation. Clearly, the impassioned speeches we heard in the Housefor the agrifood sector and primary producers and about securing that future for those producers are really ringing strong today, which is welcome too. I welcome all the supportive comments with regard to this Bill.

I have noted the comments made today. We look forward to further engagement with Senators on this Bill. I understand it is due back in this House on 28 June, which is not too far away. We will be back to discuss this in greater detail. As mentioned already, this Bill implements a commitment in the programme for Government to ensure fairness, equity and transparency in the food chain by establishing this new authority. The key objective of the new authority, an rialálaí agraibhia, will be to promote fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply.

As we heard, it will have two main functions, which are a price and market analysis and reporting function and the enforcement of prohibited unfair trading practices. It will have powers to investigate unfair trading practices such as late payments to suppliers, commercial retaliation and unilateral contract charges.

The Bill provides for the Minister to make regulations to help the regulator regarding the collection of price and market information to address issues of lack of transparency and information asymmetry in the agriculture and food supply chain for agricultural and food products. Those regulations may include provisions to allow the regulator to compel the provision of information for agricultural and food products. The Bill provides for powers to levy fines of up to €10 million on buyers, including retailers, food producers and processors.

I want to assure Senators that the Government will reflect on the points made today and they will have the opportunity to discuss these in greater detail as the Bill goes through the Stages in the Seanad. Even today, there were one or two comments around the board. The provision is already in the Bill for eight board members, including the chair. It will include a minimum of three primary producers. We certainly will be aiming for that gender balance, which is much needed in all boards at the moment.

In conclusion, Senators will be aware of the challenges farmers and other food producers have faced in recent times, including rising input costs, particularly with regard to energy. This is adding cost and complexity along the whole supply chain. It is more important than ever that we establish this regulator, which will be an advocate and provide a voice for farmers, growers, fishers and other food businesses along the agricultural and food supply chain. I echo the thanks of the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, to all of the Senators for their engagement on this Bill and to everyone who has helped get the Bill to this Stage. I thank the Senators for their contributions today. We will have further debates as this Bill progresses through the House. I look forward to that.