Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Irish food suppliers and distributors have benefited from multinational chain store operators that have opened outlets here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8298/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the current estimate of Irish retail grocery sales held by multinational retailers is approximately 31.5%. These retailers provide opportunities for Irish producers to supply not just Irish stores but also their overseas outlets. This, of course, contributes to the growth of Irish food and drink exports.

The largest foreign retail operator in Ireland contributes significantly to the Irish economy and to Irish food producers with its annual purchases. This operator purchases approximately €1.5 billion worth of goods from Irish companies each year.

Overall, the Irish retail grocery sector is worth over €7.5 billion and is growing at a rate of 5% each year. The trend for Irish food processors is positive particularly as more recent chain store entrants to the Irish market are now increasing their take up of Irish produced foodstuffs.