Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

The Minister is saying that her Department has not carried out an assessment. Does the Minister not believe her Department should have carried out an assessment that could have formed part of the consideration of the group prior to publication of the report? Does the Minister not feel this has major implications for agriculture? Many farmers talk about the large discrepancies between farm-gate prices and what retailers charge. Significant margins are involved. Does the Minister not agree that the area needs to be reviewed and that the Department must take a decisive position on the matter and lead the debate rather than following the coat tails of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment?

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