Seanad debates

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

11:10 am

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join in the tributes to Tom McGrath on his retirement. Without exception all of the ushers in Leinster House gain our respect and admiration very quickly for the job they do and the way they do it, and Tom was no exception.

I welcome the appointment of a senior counsel to review the evidence and processes in the case of Fr. Niall Molloy. I pay tribute to the work of the journalist, Gemma O'Doherty in particular. I look forward to this work being done and I hope it leads to a commission of inquiry.

The Leader will be aware that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has published a code of practice for the retail sector. Its report recommends that a statutory code - not a voluntary one - should be implemented without delay and that there should be legislation to force large stores such as Tesco and others to publish their profits figures. I have spoken on this issue before, in particular my concern that the current imbalance of power between suppliers and retailers is unsustainable in the long term and that the family farm structure and primary producers are being squeezed about of the market. I agree with the joint committee's findings that in many respects primary producers are not getting fair treatment in the food supply chain, nor a fair price for their goods. I support the call by the IFA that the Government should now confirm that legislation incorporating the committee's regulations is on the way. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, was here recently and he spoke about the Common Agricultural Policy review and reform but I would like to hear from him again on this subject. The latest figures show that the major multiple stores control more than 80% of the grocery market and this has major implications for consumers and suppliers.

On the Government's referendum proposal, all I would say at this point is that I hope that the media in particular will ensure that there is a completely fair debate and that there is no demonisation or diminishment of either side of this argument, whether it be those who see this as a marriage equality issue or those who see this as a marriage redefinition issue, those who believe that marriage with State support is primarily for loving relationships or those who believe that this issue is intrinsically connected with the socially preferred context for the upcoming legislation in respect of children. Whether people are on the change or the retain side of this argument, there must be a free, fair and respectful debate.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.