Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates and thank them for their informative presentation.

Deputy Thomas Pringle referred to the local shop. In Ireland we all like to support our own industries and shops, but we are our own worst enemies in this regard. How many of the 500 people referred to go down the road to one of the large multiples under discussion? We need to be able to turn our speeches into actions, rather than remain negative all the time. We need to support the local shop at the same time.

A topical issue in recent times is that of beef product. It is a significant issue in terms of transparency in labelling. What effect will the developments have in the rest of the year? Unfortunately, day by day we learn of new parts to the story of beef and horsemeat. The issue must come to a conclusion reasonably soon. Where does RGDATA see this issue going with regard to the industry and sector it represents? From where does its affiliates source their beef products? Are they sure they know exactly what they are getting?

The cost of groceries in Ireland is 18% higher than in any other country in Europe. I am open to contradiction, but I am reasonably certain that this is the figure for 2011. It represents a substantial price difference between the cost here and in our nearest neighbour. Why does the delegation believe that is the case? Does it believe it is possible to bring the figures closer together? Is it possible to close the gap, or is it the case that RGDATA affiliates are under pressure from the large multiples to try to keep in line with them all the time?

I welcome the comments of the delegation, hard-hitting and all as they are, on the large multiples and the need to display the facts and figures on a yearly basis. It is important that there be transparency in that regard. It would be welcome if that occurred in the near future.

I welcome RGDATA's code of conduct which is something that should be put in place. How effective will it be? How can it be implemented in an efficient manner such that everyone will be on the same wavelength in a given period?