Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I referred in my earlier remarks to the questions posed by Deputy Creed in regard to the primary producers and processors.

I discussed yesterday with the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, and my officials the operation of the UK code, which I understand has been subject to ongoing criticism, in particular by suppliers in terms of its effectiveness. The Tánaiste told the House yesterday that the Competition Authority has reported to her on how competition in the retail import distribution sector is working. She also stated that her officials are analysing the report and that she will publish it shortly. The Minister of State and I, with the officials, are engaging with the Tánaiste on the content of that report. If, following our consideration of the report, decisions need to be taken or regulations need to be implemented, the Deputy can rest assured the Government will do so urgently. We are particularly conscious of the threat to jobs and income for the primary producer and the threat to jobs in our primary processors. The industry has gone from a commodity-based industry to a sophisticated food industry and it deserves every credit in that regard.

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