asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the date of his next meeting with representatives of the multiple supermarket chains in relation to the promotion and sales of Irish products.
Written Answers. - Development of Irish Food Industry.
487.
The Deputy will be aware that I held a meeting last year with the major multiple supermarket groups at which we discussed how these groups could play a more active role in the development of the Irish food industry. To ensure that this initiative is followed through, I have entrusted the Irish Goods Council, who are regarded by both multiples and manufacturers as an independent body, with the task of ensuring that the goodwill evidenced by the initial meeting is built upon.
I have taken the opportunity, at both individual meetings with the multiples and at various specialist seminars in which they have been involved, to stress my continuing wish for Irish suppliers not only of food products but also of other products such as clothing, to be given a "fair crack of the whip". I obtain continuous feedback from the Irish Goods Council in this regard and from this and from my own observations, I am satisfied that the multiples are today much more conscious of the unique role which they can play in the development of new business opportunities in Ireland. While I have no immediate plans to meet again with representatives of the multiple supermarket groups, I would, of course, arrange such meetings if I considered them necessary. I will continue to monitor progress in this area.