Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The legislative power to tackle the matters mentioned are under the auspices of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, together with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The commission, which was established on 31 October 2014, is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection and competition law.

During 2014, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation introduced the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014. The Act provides for the making of provisions for regulating certain practices in the grocery goods sector. I understand the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is finalising the implementation of grocery regulations under this legislation. This, I hope, will guide the supermarkets in how they deal with producers in a fair and reasonable manner.

The price levels struck by growers with retail outlets are entirely a commercial matter. While it is not my role to set supermarket prices for agricultural products or to be involved in price negotiations between growers and retailers, like the Deputy, I very much encourage greater co-operation and discussion between all parties to ensure the viability of the largest number of Irish growers possible.

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