Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Foley for his presentation. All members will support what he said regarding the abuse of power by the five multiples and the damage it has done to producers and, in the broader context, to small shopkeepers and other rural enterprises. The way in which these retailers have been able to get away with it down through the years is an indication of the worrying influence they have in the wider political sphere. It is a challenge to democracy when such powerful players can effectively set the agenda. This committee has done good work on this issue in the past and we all want to see the implementation of the recommendations set out in our report. We hope that will be done in due course.

Mr. Foley indicated that producer numbers have fallen and continue to fall. Most of these are family businesses, as he said, which are unable to compete because of the prevalence of below-cost selling. Can he give any indication of the numbers of companies that have gone out of business in the past five years? How does he see the numbers going if this issue is not dealt with?

I agree with Mr. Foley and Deputy Ó Cuív that a voluntary code will not work. There must be a mandatory system of regulation and it must have teeth. I fully support the proposal for the appointment of an ombudsman.

Someone must ensure the regulation is implemented and oversee the situation where multiples are getting away with abuse. This is not just happening in this industry but across the agricultural producer area, where multiples are abusing their power for their own selfish benefit.

I thank the delegates for their presentation and assure them that we fully support the position they have adopted here today.