Mr. Brian McHugh:

I understand the frustration. I have been in those meetings with farmers and their representative bodies. Again, I refer to what we can do. We have these very strong powers. We must look at what the outcome might be of an investigation. Just because a significant number of people have concerns about an industry, for example, is not enough to get a warrant to do raids on offices.

We are not saying that therefore, this or any industry does not have cartel activity. We believe there are cartels out there in Ireland in different industries. We are very keen and put much effort into creating channels whereby parties can come forward with evidence. One of the new things we will have under ECN+, thanks to the legislation that has just passed through the Oireachtas, is a leniency. For the first time, the CCPC can now make findings of breaches of competition law and we can fine companies. What that brings is us being able to offer reductions in fines to companies. This has been a very successful tool elsewhere in Europe in identifying cartels. Most cartels are identified by parties coming forward with evidence. We now have that leniency tool and we hope that will make a difference.