Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is true in most cases anyway. The manufacturer will supply the goods to the distributor. If there is promotional activity going on to influence the price at which the distributor buys the goods, the margin the distributor is receiving off the price at which the State is buying the goods is significantly enhanced. That is the case if the goods are being received at a promotional or discounted price.