Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Mackay and thank them for appearing before the committee. Other members have already expressed their regret that the representatives from Lidl fell ill so unexpectedly but I presume we will make a date available for them to appear at some point in the future. I also welcome the recent jobs announcement by Aldi.. One of the most important ways to protect jobs in Ireland is through stores stocking Irish products and in that context, I welcome the emphasis Aldi has placed on Irish products and labelling of same, as outlined in the opening presentation today.

The presentation outlined the Irish products stocked by Aldi. The witnesses also pointed out that Aldi differentiates between products that are produced in Ireland and those that are packed here. How does Aldi differentiate between the two? The witnesses also said that a lot of Aldi's fresh meats, including fresh pork, are Irish. I have asked the representatives of other retailers who have come before us about their cured pork products. Are the cured pork products stocked by Aldi, as in bacon, ham and so forth, Irish? Senator O'Neill has already asked a question on alcohol, so I will not go back over that issue. Finally, how long are Aldi's credit terms? Are suppliers paid three or six months after supplying products to Aldi?