Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I highlight this morning a sector we are going to discuss in the coming weeks when the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation attends to discuss An Action Plan for Jobs. If I asked Senators this morning whether they would like to meet a group that represents 90,000 jobs across every parish in the country, they would all say they would love to. Those people were with us on Tuesday last at 2 p.m. at the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I do not understand why Senators were not allowed to attend or could not attend to meet RGDATA, whose members employ 90,000 people. They were extremely disappointed that only three Deputies attended and no Senator other than myself felt free to go down. I am sure there are reasons but I highlight the issue.

The retailers face great challenges. Without mentioning any names, I will point out that a large global retail giant with an Irish presence turns over ¤40 billion, while another global giant which might not appear to be as large turns over ¤45 billion. To these retailers, the Government is but a pimple on the back of the neck. Local retailers support 90,000 full-time jobs across the villages of Ireland and support local suppliers and communities. Every time a Senator spends ¤1 in a local shop, 32 cent is spent back in the local community. That may not mean a lot, but if I spend ¤400 in a local shop, ¤130 goes back into the local community. I am wearing the green jersey, which the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, would not like because we are Europeans. We are in a bad state and must support Ireland and Irish retailers.

I invite Senators to talk to me about this before the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation comes to the House. I am passionate about it. Let us enter into debate. One issue involved is labelling. Some Senators today will want to buy Irish chicken or smoked salmon. Unfortunately, the current labelling regime allows a producer to get a piece of chicken from Thailand, dip it in breadcrumbs and label it as having been produced in Ireland. It is no more Irish than the back of my cardigan, which was not produced in Ireland. The same issue arises with smoked salmon. Was it caught here or just smoked here? Coming full circle to horses and cattle, we must clarify labelling. Many consumers are blaming retailers, but it is not their fault. They are trying to represent and sell a beautiful product. Good morning.