Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Dardis's comments on the manner in which the debate will be taken today. It is usual to take Report and Final Stages together, but somewhat unusual to take Second Stage and Committee Stage together.

Senator O'Toole raised a very important matter. The "Prime Time" programme last night showed clear evidence of price fixing among the bodies trading in milk to the consumer. Such practices have a significant impact on the consumer and possibly the farmer. I ask the Leader to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, to the House to participate in a full debate on what is happening in the dairy and meat processing sectors. There was clear evidence last night that price fixing is being engaged in. It is a bad practice and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come before the House at the earliest opportunity with a view to discussing the possibility of having the Competition Authority investigate the matter.