Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree this sector has serious knock-on impacts. Over the past number of years the Irish food sector has become more competitive relative to the EU and there are improvements occurring against international trends. There have been significant new entrants and it is evident that some of them are building significant market share at keen prices.

I am conscious that this sector needs to be kept under review. It has been studied on a number of occasions previously. It remains one that is of interest in the work of my Department and its agencies. These surveys are a useful way of keeping a consciousness of the opportunities.

As regards the supply chains, later in the year I will be introducing competition legislation which will include powers to ensure there are fair relationships in the supply chain. This has been an issue of concern.

On the wider issue of supporting the retail sector, there are opportunities for the retail sector, even in a difficult climate, to evolve. Obviously, going online is an area of potential. The Minister of State, Deputy Perry, has been spearheading our review of all licences for the retail sector to ensure we remove the blockages in it that add compliance costs to small business.

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