Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister used the word "historic" quite a lot. This is historic only to the extent that never has so much been offered but so little delivered by way of concrete powers to a regulator. Where does the regulator have the power to ascertain the impact of feed lots? How will it do that unless there is a possibility to give it that power? The Minister does not have to do so, of course. It is merely that he is unable to make regulations to that effect. Where will the regulator be able to find out the amounts retailers pay processors and the conditionality in that regard? That information is available in the United States as a result of legislation. It is available in France, although perhaps not to the extent French farmers would like. Where are those powers? Is it the Minister or the Department that does not want the regulator to work? It is historic that a big office of the regulator is being set up. I predict that it will be entirely staffed by retirees from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Where is the power to deliver transparency? Do the Minster and the Department not want transparency? If not, why not? Nobody believes there is transparency in the food sector in Ireland. He is one of the few people who believe the mere establishment of the post of regulator will bring transparency. It cannot and will not bring transparency, however, unless regulations can be made by the Minister or his successors to give the regulator the powers to seek the information needed to know where the profits are being made in the food chain. Massive profits are being made in the food chain but they are not being made by producers. Retailers are paying the price but we have no information on anything in between and we will not get such information as a result of this Bill. That is why I am proposing these amendments.

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