Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last year we introduced a Bill on food provenance, whereby every product should state its source, which the Minister turned down on the grounds that legislation would be introduced at a European level, and therefore we withdrew the Bill. However, to the best of my knowledge nothing has happened since then and look what happened this week. The Irish Farmers Association detected that pigmeat being sold in a number of outlets as Irish pigmeat was not. This is a real reminder of why we need more than goodwill to ensure that people who buy a product know what they are buying and know the product they are getting comes from the source from which they understand it to come. It is time we recognise changes are taking place in the marketplace. Let us ensure we protect our citizens from eating something other than what they thought they bought.

It was very interesting to hear Senator Barrett speak about the 1980s and an attempt by Aer Lingus, or the Government of the day, to accuse us of selling air tickets too cheaply and making it illegal to do so. It is a reminder that the marketplace works because of competition. Let us ensure we continue this competition, no matter where it comes from. I can remember the outrageous prices we paid for airline tickets to get from here to London until we had competition, which was not welcomed and had much criticism. It is a reminder that the marketplace, no matter where it is, does change and it is changing in many different ways.

I introduced the topic of competition with regard to post offices a while ago, but Senator Bacik stated it was probably better handled in a different way. There is little doubt there is competition, and the postmasters are quite concerned about it. They will have to adjust to whatever happens. It is interesting to see that in two shops, one of which is in the midlands, An Post has introduced two outlets for selling postal services. It is a reminder that the marketplace is changing. Let us ensure we as a nation adjust to the marketplace for the benefit of consumers.