Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

We cannot fix margins either. We can examine ways for primary producers to negotiate collectively to get better prices for their products. We must balance the need for primary producers to get a fair price for their products that reflects the cost of production - the poultry and pig sectors are under particular pressure because of the price of grain and feed - with the need for Irish food to be produced in a way that is competitive with anywhere else in Europe. We are uniquely exposed to export markets and must sell the majority of our produce outside Ireland. The issue of margins relates to negotiating power. This is one matter that will be considered by the draft fair trade Bill.

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