Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the system introduced by a leading multiple in which demands are levied on suppliers at the beginning of the year, which in 2009 will total €170 million approximately, on the basis that if suppliers do not pay such demands, supplies will be obtained elsewhere including from abroad; her views on this practice; if she has proposals to curb such activity in view of the possibility of suppliers being put out of business leading to further unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12223/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The negotiation of commercial contracts is essentially a matter for the contracting parties themselves and I have no direct function in relation to such contracts.

Nevertheless, the Competition Acts prohibit retailers from engaging in certain practices in their dealings with suppliers. Should the Deputy have any evidence of retailers engaging in prohibited practices, I would urge him to bring such evidence to the attention of the Competition Authority in order that it may be investigated fully.