Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 12, line 22, after “law” to insert “and anti-competitive actions in the agrifood supply chain”.

This amendment is now even more important, given the debate in recent weeks around food prices. We have seen a lack of transparency, particularly regarding the gap between when produce leaves the farm gate and when it appears on supermarket shelves. When we saw the beef protests outside factories, the big issues at that time concerned cartel-like behaviour and competition. That was the beginning of all of this and of the calls that came for the establishment of an agrifood regulator, which is now happening and which is welcome. However, every farming organisation has been clear in saying to the committee, to us as individuals and, no doubt, to the Minister that we need the regulator to have the power to look at competition issues. It is no secret that in the beef sector we have seen issues regarding competition and cartel-like behaviour for decades. The Minister has said many times that this legislation and the establishment of an agrifood regulator is about protecting farmers. If so, we need to listen to farmers and farm organisations and to give this regulator the powers to look at anti-competitive actions.

If the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, had the powers we are seeking for this agrifood regulator, then the farm organisations would not be seeking these powers for the regulator. It is so important. On Second Stage, the Minister said the agrifood regulator will become the designated national enforcement authority for unfair trading practices.

If that is to be the case, then we need the regulation to have the power to look at competition issues. As I said, if that could be done by the CCPC, the farm organisations would not be seeking this in the first place. I believe this amendment can only be positive. It is particularly positive for the farmer in the first instance. This is about ensuring transparency and it is about ensuring fair play. I know this amendment was discussed on Committee Stage. I hope the Minister has reflected on it and I hope he will consider accepting it this evening.

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