Mr. Kenneth McGrath:

I will answer Senator O'Brien’s comment on own-brand produce, its development and how it affects a supplier. I will also address some of the questions raised on corporate matters, financial performance, etc.

On the last question, Lidl and Aldi are two separate companies without any relation of any sort. We adopt separate strategies. That is as far as I can take that discussion because there is not really anything more to discuss in that context.

On the matter of own-brand produce and development, the Senator is correct that a supplier, particularly a smaller supplier, initially produces an own-brand product for us. One might ask how this develops a presence for the supplier and adds to its long-term sustainability and ability to promote itself? Obviously, our literature and communication serve as one such support. More important, one must examine the opportunity that exists for a small producer to achieve a listing in 135 stores without significant barriers to entry. There is no red tape in terms of the small producers supplying us. The supplier's obligation is to work with us, develop a specification and develop a product that is suitable for our shelf and which will be shelf-ready for us. We assist the supplier through that process and then we manage the supply chain beyond our three distribution centres for it. Ultimately, the growth the supplier experiences with us allows it the flexibility to do a lot in its own business. Suppliers avail of this opportunity quite successfully. None of our small suppliers has failed in terms of business. They are all extremely entrepreneurial and vibrant, and they get good financial support. We honour our agreements with them and pay on time. In that respect, we support them 100%. Their businesses grow beyond own-brand production with ourselves. We are very cognisant of that and of the fact that we would be uncomfortable with a supplier being solely dependent on business from us on an ongoing basis. It would not be sustainable. I hope that answers the question satisfactorily.