Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If that was the case, we would be getting involved in determining and setting the price for the market. That is not something that is legally possible. We can track what is happening regarding various different prices, the markets we sell into and the changing market dynamics over time. For example, 95% of our beef is sold into the European market. There can be variances from the European averages index. Sometimes we are above the European average and at other times we are below it.

At the moment, we get reports on prices but no one is operating in the sector other than actors in the supply chain who can comment on or assess the situation. A separate office with the capacity, credibility and independence to assess and report on the supply chain and market dynamics and call things out can, through that, apply pressure regarding what is happening and try to ensure there is fairness, as much as possible, within the supply chain. That would be an important addition to our food supply chain.