Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I share the Deputy's sense of urgency about the matter. Along with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who understands the agricultural sector more than most other Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment given her background, I have been at pains to state that we need urgent action to introduce legislation and a code of practice. That would provide for the Ombudsman to be able to hear evidence. This is an area which ostensibly has been bedevilled with intimidation — I use the word very explicitly. Suppliers are afraid to say publicly what they will say privately to me for fear of being identified, which is causing a lack of transparency in the system. On a radio programme this morning there was a question about "hello money". There was a denial that "hello money" was being requested because it would be illegal. However, I have heard references to "market support money", "advertising money", and "promotional money". At the moment the people who are saying that privately will not do so publicly. That is why this code of practice and this retail ombudsman position are urgently required. I have said so to the Minister and to other members of the Government. I say it again here in the House.

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