Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but I heard some of the contributions. Obviously the TLT closure is a significant issue that affected the part of the country that I come from. The placing of TLT International into receivership has sent shivers through the wider agricultural community and a significant element of competition has been removed. I concur with the view that with factories being dominant it could act as an impetus for them to return to their bad old ways. It is essential that all of the stakeholders sit down with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to work out appropriate mechanisms to ensure that marketplace competition is restored. That is critical.

Mr. Paul Smyth mentioned an export insurance. I remember examining the idea when I was spokesperson on enterprise, trade and employment so I know it is not a simple matter. Nevertheless it should be explored. One of the problems with perishable goods is that retention of title clauses are ephemeral and do not mean anything. The retention of title for a durable product, and where one can follow through, can give sustenance and comfort. In this instance, it is not available. Even if one were to explore the matter I do not think it would be an option.

Deputy Naughten and I may have referred to winning back the moneys lost by the Italian situation. Have the organisations present had any contact with their Italian counterparts on how to alleviate the situation?

The closure will impact on the marts and their balance sheets. Nevertheless the marts have been prudent over the years and should be able to absorb the loss. That is a very healthy situation to be in and I salute them. However, marts cannot afford to take anything for granted.

It appears that the only significant asset of TLT is its level of trade debtors. Obviously marts, farmers and haulage contractors have been significantly impacted. The company employed 25 workers but also provided a lot of indirect work. A number of significant creditors have also suffered the impact in terms of all sorts of supplies. Have the organisations explored the possibility of an export insurance scheme with the Minister? Have they suggested assembling all of the relevant stakeholders to ensure competition?

I noticed that the IFA said it spoke to the receiver last week. Deputy Naughten and I spoke to other people at the same time. Have further discussions been held with the receiver to see if progress has been made? A story published in The Farming Independent stated that there were a number of potential buyers, some of which exist and some were from outside.

In terms of restoring the transport mechanisms, Italy is so far away and it would not be easy to fit into its market. The British market is closer and far simpler to understand. Has progress been made following inquiries and contacts with the receiver?