Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a marketing issue. We are all aware of Fairtrade but not of the other organisations. We hope this will be addressed.

I was taken aback when Mr. O'Caoimh intimated we would not be positive about buying certain goods in this country. I believe the opposite is the case. From my experience, I realise that people are only too willing to support somebody who is working without middlemen and who is making a real difference in poverty reduction. There is no doubt that there is an added dimension to our relationship with Africa given the trade issue, but it was alarming to see the import-export imbalance. Has Mr. O'Caoimh any comment on this?

What is the biggest expense for people who are producing? What is the relationship with the multinationals? How do they feel about the initiatives under discussion?