Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The UK tried a voluntary code of good behaviour, but that did not work and it is revisiting the matter and will make the code statutory. Ironically, the Tánaiste published her Bill a day after we published ours, which we intend to lay before the House soon. Our fair trade food information Bill lays out in black and white what is an offence, what penalties can be imposed, retailers' obligations in terms of credit facilities and who is obliged to oversee the area. Commissioner Fischer Boel has indicated that, before she finishes her term, she intends to produce a report on the behaviour in question. It is obvious that, if this is a problem in Europe, it is definitely a problem in Ireland and Britain where supermarket chains seem to demand higher margins.

Why not start at the right place, that is, a statutory code? No compliant retailer would have anything to worry about with our Bill or a statutory code. The chief executive of one group stated that it would add costs, but this is not the case. For example, keeping the requisite records would cost no more than an audit of the business operation. The claim is a red herring. We should put the code on a statutory basis from day one.

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