Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

As the Leader is a conduit between the House and the Government, will she assure the House that this is official Government policy? This document was only published on Tuesday. I take it that is the up-to-date position and I look forward to hearing the Leader's reply.

The UK has 32,000 convenience stores and small shops. The Guardian reported yesterday that they are closing at the rate of 2,000 per annum and they are being gobbled up by the large multiples. A motion on the Order Paper states our communities "should be protected from predatory pricing by major multiples in order to seek choice and diversity in the food sector where multiples and local shops can compete on a level playing pitch". All Government Members will subscribe to that sentiment, as we do, and I would like the Leader's confirmation in this regard, given that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will bring the groceries order before Cabinet next Tuesday.