Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael)

I have two brief supplementary questions. Senator Susan O'Keeffe referred to the birds directive and special protection areas. These are causing major concerns in the agricultural industry. I accept that this is an EU directive, but I ask the Minister to try to gain a derogation on what is proposed. The directive will have major implications for drainage of wetlands, removal of hedges and ditches or even opening a gap.

Senators Tony Mulcahy, and Susan O'Keeffe spoke about food production. During the week, we saw Superquinn being taken over by Musgraves. Three major supermarkets now own 70% of the grocery retail market. Will the Minister make sure that multinationals will not further squeeze Irish agriculture? Certain supermarkets have demanded hello money, etc. This cannot be allowed to continue. I hope the Minister will put sanctions in place to ensure that Irish food stays on supermarket shelves.