Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned that this is to protect the primary producers. Every primary producer who has appeared before the committee said the range is too narrow. The most recent submission we received from the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, has reaffirmed that. It is one of the main issues it raised.

If this regulator is going to deliver fairness and transparency in the agrifood supply chain, which is the stated ambition of everybody here, it needs to have a view of the entirety of the supply chain. I do not understand, and cannot accept, that the Bill can achieve that if it does not make any reference at all to the relationship with the consumer.

As has been said, the amendment has been ruled out of order. I ask the Minister to again read the submissions that were received from the farm organisations and take this into account on the next Stage of the Bill's consideration.