Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important that the task force considers all these matters. To inform that process, independent reports into these specific matters concerning transparency, residency and the four movement rules can be done. It will inform stakeholders' capacity to progress further such issues.

The Deputy raised issues around tax compliance etc. and any allegations of non-compliance with tax issues is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. Any concerns should be reported to them. Concerns about the abuse of a dominant position are for the competition authority. One of the agreements is for a synopsis of competition law in the area. Some people would give the Minister the power to set price, for example, but we did not go near base price for good reasons. If I had the power to fix the price, who would I please? If the price is raised too high, demand would be killed. The market sets the price and we monitor the base price closely relative to what it is across Europe. It is a very depressed market because of flatlining consumption, changing dietary habits and new market opportunities etc. The Deputy raised concerns relating to employment law, which are a function of the Workplace Relations Commission. They are not issues that my Department would have direct competence or legal authority to inquire into.

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