Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have one last on heading 9 relating to the particular functions of the office. The general scheme states:

(a) encourage fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain;

(b) encourage compliance with and enforce the rules on unfair trading practices including the publication of notices containing practical guidance as to how statutory provisions may be complied with or on related matters;

In both cases the term "encourage" is used in regard to fairness, transparency and compliance with the rules and unfair trading. Macra na Feirme referred to the need to be proactive rather than reactive in ensuring compliance with the UTP guidelines. I take it the witnesses are also concerned that the wording is too gentle to be a significant deterrent from engaging in prohibited practices.