Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I can give the Deputy the figures but it would take too long. I refer to €2.65 million granted to 80 applicants under the national development programme. I appreciate that Deputy Sherlock is focusing on the fact that smaller growers — it is also, unfortunately, the case with regard to some larger growers — are also finding it difficult to trade. The reason is that the return for the grower is less than one fifth of what the consumer is paying in the supermarket. This is a matter I would love to be able to go out and deal with, but I cannot do so on the basis of various state aid rules. However, I am stating clearly — as I hope will the Deputies — that unless the multiples pay more overall to the grower, it will not be possible for many growers to stay in business. This issue needs to be carried forth from this House from all sides.

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