Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The Commissioner has outlined a number of points which are aspirational and laudable in their own way. For Irish agribusiness to flourish there needs to be a fundamental shift in the position vis-À-vis the retailer and the primary producer and processor. This has been already outlined in great detail. Rather than waiting for report after report, will the Government not grab the bull by the horns, take the initiative and implement legislation? It should stop waiting for the European Union's guidance on every matter relating to the agribusiness sector in this economy. We have a very viable market, with the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, at the forefront given that he has responsibility for food. We need to see action now and that relationship needs to be reinstated. This House has the power to implement its own rules and regulations vis-À-vis the relationship, as it does not contravene EU rules. I ask the Minister of State to act urgently to reinstate that relationship.

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