Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 44:

In page 83, between lines 33 and 34, to insert the following:“(a) the importance to and impact on the economic viability and sustainability of primary producers of decisions made at processing and/or retailing level,”.

Again, I acknowledge the Minister has tabled a similar amendment. Members had a good discussion on Committee Stage on this issue, which concerns the importance of placing the producers in the legislation and on an equal footing, in terms of their importance, with the wholesalers and retailers. I welcome that the Minister has done this. A very good event was held last night at which many small food producers involved in Good Food Ireland came together to show their wares. Many colleagues attended and enjoyed those wares and consequently, I am glad to see the Minister giving some protection to those producers. However, he has not given enough, which is a subject to which Members will turn shortly. Nevertheless, I welcome that the Minister is willing to at least put into the legislation the language and the spirit of protection of small producers. What this actually means will be a matter for discussion a little later in this debate.

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