Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

The Government has its head in the sand on this issue. In that position one cannot see, and if the head is deep enough in the sand one cannot hear. This is a chronic case of Government tipping its hat to big business. The Minister has allowed himself to be led by advisers and has consequently taken advice that has no basis in fact and no foundation. There is no demand for this legislation. The Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business knows there is no demand because it has the proof. It invited various representatives to its meetings and not one of the groups or individuals put forward a request for a revocation of the groceries order. That is the proof. This legislation is bad for the consumer and rural Ireland and will be proven so.

See this speech in context