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

We are just going around in circles. I asked whether the Minister was satisfied that anti-competitiveness practices are not ongoing. I again make the point, and it is not one he responded to, that if the laws are there and if the powers exist in legislation, my question remains. Why has every farming organisation and stakeholder involved in this legislation sought that this regulator would have these powers? It does not make any sense. If the powers are already there and are so effective, why are the farming organisations and farmers on the ground, many of them since the beef protests that took place many years ago, seeking this power for the regulator? If it is as the Minister said, they are wasting their time because the powers are already there and it is already working. The problem is it is not working. That is the whole point. We will not agree on this but I intend to press it.

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