Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am reminded of an experience we had in Superquinn where central buying took place for all goods for resale, but we did not have central buying for things such as first aid equipment, items for desks and so on. We decided to centralise that process and I could not get over the huge difference in price as against when we bought locally. We had 22 branches and our own managers said: "But they give us great service;" however, there was a gap in price of something like 72%. As we were having to pay out a huge amount, I can understand the Government stating we must do something to ensure procurement takes place as part of some rational wing.

I refer to the points made. There is an onus on us to do something about it. Scotland was instanced. I thought it was fascinating to hear that it was not just about price but other things also. A 60 mile or a 60 km gap was mentioned, as was the gap in Northern Ireland. It has a different policy and takes other things into account. The delegates have a job to do, which they have done today. We also have a job to do, which is to sell to the people of Ireland that it is not just about price, that there are other benefits also. This was mentioned and I hope it is not the first step but that we are a long way along the line in being able to make and win the case.