Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I am unsure of this is because the large multiples do not confide in me. Deputy Sherlock queried my reference to the European Union. Deputy Doyle adverted to the fact that this issue is referred to in the document on CAP reform to which Deputy has contributed. This is important from a European point of view as well because we must seek the best system to provide for fair practices and equity in the food chain and in every market in which we sell our product. That is important for our sector as well.

In my earlier reply I remarked that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, intends to introduce legislation to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority. This will allow for a statutory code of conduct in the grocery goods sector. The Minister, Deputy O'Keeffe, expects to publish the legislation early in 2011. That is as specific as I can be with regard to the legislative programme of another Department.

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