Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I thank him for the efforts he put in years ago in Clonmel when we were starting up the farmers' market in respect of the Main Guard. While it was not the eventual location, his considerable efforts were appreciated.

We would like the farmers' market concept to be expanded throughout the country because it gives farmers, organic and non-organic, an opportunity to sell directly to the consumer. They get a better price for their produce than the supermarkets are willing to pay. They also provide an opportunity for consumers to get a better deal, and to get keener prices for fresher produce in many cases. Consumers can also speak directly with the suppliers and therefore traceability is not such an issue. They provide a social outlet in many towns and villages also. Clonmel is very lively on a Saturday morning, as is Cahir. I welcome that and the opportunity to meet people. I have seen some people canvassing——