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.

The Regulator has, since its establishment at the end of 2023, been delivering these functions.

As the Deputy is aware, the Agrifood 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 as the Regulator already has extensive powers to compel information when pursuing complaints under unfair trading practice legislation and indeed has successfully secured a conviction under the Act.

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 agrifood supply chain, including farm bodies, industry and retail representatives, Government Departments, State Agencies and, of course, the Agri Food Regulator, as part of a detailed consultative process.

Following conclusion of this consultative process, legal scrutiny of the draft statutory instrument was necessary. As this legislation is novel in nature and exceeds the requirements under European law, it was essential that it was thoroughly examined.

I can assure the Deputy that the process to deliver on this commitment is now significantly advanced. It remains a priority which has my full commitment.

I expect to be able to sign the draft statutory instrument in the coming weeks.