Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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317. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has met with the Chairman of the Agri-Food Regulator following his request for a meeting in February; if so, the outcome of that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36710/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I met with both the Chairman and CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator on 2 April 2025 and again with the Chairman, CEO and Board of the Agri-Food Regulator in May 2025.

At the meeting in April, the Chairman and the CEO reiterated the substance of the report communicated to my Department by the Agri-Food Regulator, recommending, in light of their experience in seeking information for the purpose of their price and market analysis and reporting function, that additional powers be granted to the Regulator to compel businesses to supply requested price and market information.

The current Programme for Government includes a commitment to enhance the powers of the Regulator in that regard. It also includes a commitment that any new legislation must consider the SME test, which is mindful of avoiding the creation of any unreasonable burden on small businesses. I advised the Chairman of this at the meeting.

I have informed the Chairman that I am fully committed to ensuring that the Regulator is equipped with the necessary powers to fulfil its statutory function subject to the necessary consultative and legislative process. As any potential Regulation is likely to be novel legislation, and above the current requirements of EU Regulation, I must complete an appropriate consultative and legislative process which is now on-going.

This matter is a priority issue for my Department.