Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Like Senators Quinn and Mullins I pay tribute to all involved in the Superquinn project, particularly the Musgrave family for purchasing the business, keeping it in Ireland and retaining the Superquinn name. Senator Quinn can take great pride from the fact that the Superquinn name has serious credibility in the marketplace in the country. Coming from a background of running a small retail business with my wife, I agree with Senator Quinn's comments regarding buying Irish and supporting Irish produce and businesses.

I recall a very prominent GAA person seriously advocating the opening of Croke Park to rugby and soccer getting a dressing down on the street from a certain individual who accused him of being unpatriotic. He told this individual in return that he would take a lecture on patriotism from him when he stopped shopping in Tesco, as he had a Tesco shopping bag in his hand. I suggest to Members that useful reading over the summer is a good book on the domination of Tesco and how it has destroyed retail in England. The book is called Tescopoly. The research and findings in the book are frightening. Will the Leader ensure the Government continues to promote the buy Irish campaign, ensures the resources exist to facilitate quality branding in agribusiness and retail in general in the country and continues to promote the concept of being patriotic and spending our money with Irish businesses and supporting Irish products?

I commend An Garda Síochána for being one of the first public State agencies to issue electronic payslips.