Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The independent Agri-Food Regulator established under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 performs two key functions:

• It enforces the law on unfair trading practices;
• It performs a price and market analysis and reporting function.

As the Deputy is aware, the Agri-food Regulator has reported to me that it requires enhanced powers to compel businesses to provide information that is not in the public domain. This relates specifically to the price and market analysis function.

The Act itself does not permit the Regulator to compel businesses to provide such data. However, the Act provides that the Minister may make regulations on price and market information.

As I have previously stated, 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. This is required to ensure that the additional powers granted are proportionate.

My officials have engaged with key stakeholders along the agri-food supply chain, including with the Agri-Food Regulator, as part of a detailed consultative process.

Following conclusion of this consultative process, a draft statutory instrument is now being finalised. As this legislation is novel in nature and exceeds the requirements under European law, it is essential that it is thoroughly examined.

I can assure the Deputy that the process to deliver on this commitment is well underway, and my officials have been keeping the Agri-Food Regulator informed on progress. It remains a priority which has my full commitment.

It is important to stress that these additional powers are separate to the extensive powers the Regulator already possesses to seize data in relation to suspected unfair trading practices.