Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I agree with much of what Senator O'Brien had to say. There was a large public meeting in Ballinasloe last Friday night, which was attended by representatives of the large farming organisations who spoke about the crisis in the beef industry. They also raised the issue of the price they are paid for their produce and noted how they have been squeezed by the large multiplies locating here, resulting in their margins decreasing year-on-year while the price to the consumer has not decreased as much. The producers feel they are being squeezed out of the market by ruthless retailers and large multiples and that their lifestyles and those of the small rural farmer have been seriously detrimentally affected by the manner in which the multiples operate in this jurisdiction. They are concerned about the large profits being made by these companies on the backs of their labours.

This is an important amendment. People have been calling for many years for this type of information to be made available by the large multiples. We have no issue with companies coming here and doing a good job and making a profit, but their doing so at the cost of local suppliers, indigenous farmers and producers is unfair. The Minister said that the purpose of this legislation was to ensure a level playing field and fairness and transparency in the retail sector, which we support. We believe this amendment addresses an extremely important issue and for that reason we support it. As recently as last Friday this issue was reiterated by many farmers and mart operators the length and breadth of this country. I believe this is an important amendment that should be accepted by the Minister.