Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 85, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following:"(a) having regard to the importance of and impact to the economic viability and sustainability of primary producers the decisions made at processing and/or retail level,".

We discussed this at length on Committee Stage so I do not propose to go through it again. I reiterate that while the Minister has gone some way by including the economic importance to the State of production, supply, distribution and wholesale and retail sectors in respect of grocery goods in his amendment in the Dáil, I still believe that the sustainability of primary producers is not protectionist. It is important that we protect the quality of our goods and the sustainability of what is a struggling indigenous industry. Having thought about this since last Thursday's debate, I firmly believe that it is important for the Minister to restate that this item would be looked at by way of the review of the legislation because this sector is struggling. I made the points last week so I will not reiterate them. However, I would be interested to hear whether the Minister has any type of commitment he can give in the new session or after this legislation is passed so that his Department through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would look at it within six months and take on board a regular review of our primary producers of agricultural and horticultural products.