Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senators are not participating today and I know Senator Mary Ann O'Brien who is in the Gallery would have much to say if she was allowed to do so. I would like to acknowledge that because she is in the business of producing a particular product and avails of retailers large and small to market and sell it. This is very important. We went through part of this process during the last Dáil, decided to produce a report on conclusion of our hearings and present it to the Government to lay before the Houses. In the event that the consumer and competition Bill goes through the Houses and we have not finished, we aim to adequately contribute to the debate on Second Stage on the basis of the hearings we are having here. Hopefully, due regard will be given to them by all sectors.

The delegation has given us a very frank, robust and provocative contribution. It is quite obvious that the three gentlemen with Ms Buckley are survivors, have competed in a very competitive environment and are successful in that regard. Due to the fact that we received notice that there was concern about interference from mobile phones, this debate will be on the public record and to that end, it is important. I also thank the members for putting the questions and drawing out the debate.

As a delegation from Retail Ireland will come before us, I must suspend the meeting for five minutes to allow the previous delegation to withdraw. However, just as members from the delegation from Retail Ireland were welcome to attend this hearing so members of this delegation are welcome to attend the forthcoming session if they have time. I thank Mr. Foy, Ms Buckley, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Nolan. The sitting will be suspended for five minutes while the new witnesses take their places.