Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his co-operation. I also thank the senior staff from my old Department. I thank the Minister for personally taking the Bill although he has an extremely busy schedule. I know the pressures he is under from the Industrial Development Agency, Enterprise Ireland and all the different responsibilities he has in the Department. Nevertheless, he considered it important to come here yesterday when he spent nearly three hours and whatever time was necessary today on Committee Stage. He has achieved a tremendous grasp of the issue in a short time. I accept he is being briefed by his top officials who are very familiar with these matters. It is a complex issue and the Minister has dealt with it in a straightforward way people can understand.

People should bear in mind that the Minister has responsibility for the areas of enterprise, trade and employment. In bringing forward the Bill, he is endeavouring to maintain employment and create opportunities. Some 130 items were incorporated under the groceries order. The Minister must keep a close eye on how the situation develops. I believe his judgment will be proven to be correct at the end of the day. He has not given any commitment that the legislation will result in a decrease in the cost of groceries to consumers but it may be the case. That is his objective. The amount may be surprising but we will not fix a level because, as the Minister said, people judge one on commitments made.

It is the Minister's objective that more competition will be introduced in this area. I commend the Minister and thank the Cathaoirleach for his co-operation in getting the Bill through the House.