Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the notion that people are being unfairly forced to buy products, 70% of the market is controlled by 70% of a minority of players, namely, Tesco, Musgraves and others. In such circumstances, a balance must certainly be struck between producers and retailers. I referred earlier to a particular processed cheese which is colourfully packaged, which is obviously aimed at children and which retails at €24 per kilo. If an Irish farmer is fortunate enough to supply the milk used in producing this cheese, he or she will be paid €3 for his or her trouble. There is a significant differential between paying €3 for milk and €24 per kilo for processed cheese. Local artisan cheeses such as Gubbeen Cheese from Cork or Killeen Farmhouse Cheese from Galway cost less than €24 per kilo but the farmer who supplies the milk will still be paid €3 for it.

I understand the necessity of striking a balance. I am of the view, however, that we must create a whistleblower system in respect of the criteria that apply, particularly because producers are fearful of offering evidence regarding the unfair or unacceptable practices or arrangements being imposed on them by retailers. I ask the Minister to take account of the fact that much more regulation is required. An iron fist must be brought bear. In addition, we must begin to tackle this issue in the context of social justice. It is small producers, rather than Tesco, Musgraves and those others who control 70% of the market, who must be protected.

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