Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Caoimh for appearing before the committee. I did not read the second handout but worked off the earlier briefing notes. Perhaps he will assist me in understanding exactly what he does. From reading his notes, it appears he is targeting work that has already been done by the producers. In other words, he said he targets groups that already have a proven high-quality product and, in fact, are export-ready. He also said he works with companies that are already achieving a presence in other European countries. His use of the name "Fairtrade" threw me in the context of what he said, which was that he is targeting the marketing of goods and produce from established groups. As we all know, Fairtrade starts practically in the womb. The farmers produce goods where there is a collective agreement and a specific policy on fertilisation, child labour and redistribution of profits to the community or the bringing in of a water supply. In order that I do not confuse this with Fairtrade, Mr. O'Caoimh is targeting those producers of goods who already have a proven record in terms of quality and have already possibly penetrated the European market. That is excellent. It is great that we can look at Africa in this light and that we are not thinking of it as a continent that needs financial assistance to help the starving. This is progressive and it is the way forward, but there is confusion as to whether Fairtrade plays a role in Mr. O'Caoimh's organisation. Is that accidental? Already, Fairtrade Ireland has been working with people who produce good-quality produce ready for the market. Is it the case that Mr. O'Caoimh gives it a helping hand to perhaps package it more effectively?