Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the meetings he has had with large retailers with regard to the sourcing and provision of quality Irish brands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26048/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am in the process of meeting with large retailers to impress on them the Government's commitment to agri-food sector. I am taking the opportunity to explain the importance of the sector to the economy as well as the high quality standard of food production in this country. These standards have been achieved as a result of major investment over the years in traceability and food safety infrastructure which has complemented the natural advantages of food production here. More recent investment to support environmentally and animal welfare friendly methods of production have also been brought to the attention of retailers as advantages in meeting emerging consumer concerns. However I acknowledge that consumers are concerned about value for money and have emphasised the necessity for a reasonable balance between granting price reductions to consumers and giving a fair return to suppliers and producers.