Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response which certainly increased my store of knowledge on many different issues. When he says that it would be a matter of some concern if any supplier suffered adverse consequences solely as a result of drawing attention to alleged wrongdoing, I presume he does not mean that it would not be a matter of some concern if, for example, he were to suffer consequences for going on not to participate in certain arrangements. What does the Minister mean when he says it would be a matter of some concern? Does he mean that he would make it his concern and the concern of the Department? I think I have said enough to show that there is a case here for the Department to look into a matter because a significant public interest issue arises if somebody is victimised because in some way he or she did not want to get involved in something he or she believed was illegal. That is the issue before us and it is one we are going to have to return to. I think the Minister will agree with me that the State should ensure that the system should not be rigged against small farmers or against individuals who do not play ball with big corporates. That is what this issue is about and I think we might have further conversations on this in the future but I very much thank the Minister for the attention he has given it to date and for coming in this morning.