Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

Surely the Competition Authority can go into a concern and carry out a investigation, as the UK competition authority did. We learned the plain facts in the course of our investigation. We do not know who was involved because it was carried out anonymously and in confidence so we do not know who the players were. However, the position is clear. People are afraid to come forward and give evidence in case they are de-listed and lose their opportunity to sell their goods in the market. Prime quality produce is produced in this country by our farmers and others and they are entitled to a fair price, as is the consumer. Ultimately, however, if the primary producers in this country go out of business, everybody will suffer, including the consumer. While we should not forget the importance of the jobs in the major retail stores, there are also jobs at primary production level that are important and provide a living for people throughout rural Ireland.

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