Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies for their work over the thorough process that was involved in bringing this legislation through to where it is. I thank Members for the massive work they put in during Committee Stage and for the comprehensive pre-legislative scrutiny report that was afforded me. Right through this process my objective has been, as it was with Members, to ensure we set up a statutory independent office that will ensure there is transparency in the food supply chain and, in particular, that will make sure that primary producers and family farmers across this country get a fair deal and price for the work they carry out. I accommodated 18 of the 20 recommendations from the pre-legislative scrutiny report, either fully or substantially, in the Bill. On Committee Stage, and again on Report Stage, I examined the various amendments that were put forward in good faith and sought to accommodate as many as I felt would strengthen the Bill and the ultimate office of the regulator.

I thank everyone who contributed. It is an important moment for farmers across this country, for our food sector and for agriculture in Ireland that for the first time ever we will have an independent statutory food regulator in place. I am glad to report on the appointment of Niamh Lenehan as the CEO-designate of the new regulator's office. Whenever the Bill goes through the Seanad she will take over the role and lead this office out. I wish her well in that role and the important function she will carry out.

I also want to thank the staff in my Department, who are represented here today by assistant secretary Sinéad McPhillips, and in particular, Angela Robinson. Angela's team has done massive work throughout in bringing this legislation forward. As Members can see, it was a massive piece of work drafting the Bill, putting the policy together and working here to bring it through the legislative system so I thank Angela for the massive work that she, Ray and their team carried out. I thank those who are involved in the unfair trading practices unit as well, including, Noel Collins and Aidan, for their work throughout that process. I thank Members, the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, the Office of the Ceann Comhairle, the Bills Office and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for their work in bringing this important legislation to fruition.

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