Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I thank the Tánaiste for her reply. This situation has gone beyond a joke. If Mr. Paul Cullen can find out that Tesco is seeking up to €500,000 from suppliers in order to stock their goods, it is a joke. The Competition Authority has trumpeted its achievements. It has been a waste of space in this area because somebody has to come along and give evidence. Would the Tánaiste agree that such unfair practices are a common occurrence and a regular feature of the supplier-retailer relationship? Is the Tánaiste aware that a report, which has been prepared by Deputy Cyprian Brady, will be issued by the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment next week which examines the issue? The joint committee had to go to great lengths in order to speak to people. Everything one has been told about unfair practices continues because nobody wants to stand up and give evidence on the issue. That is what is happening.

What are the Tánaiste's views on the fact that supermarkets have demanded millions of euro over the past number of months in return for the continuous stocking of products on supermarket shelves? Mr. Paul Cullen has done an excellent job as consumer affairs correspondent of The Irish Times. Is the Tánaiste aware, from media reports, that Tesco has sought €500,000 in order to ensure the presence of goods in 190 stores across the country? It is not unique to any multiple; sums of money are sought by everybody. Does the Tánaiste accept that a sum of money of this magnitude represents normal negotiations with suppliers of produce in this country, as was said in the article to which I refer? Is it the case that demands for pay to play money are not illegal but, rather, pump up prices for the consumer? Suppliers, in effect, are being bullied by the major retailers across the country.

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