The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the European Union. This is a right which many Irish firms are exploiting very successfully, both in terms of establishing businesses in other member states and in supplying the Single Market. Once the relevant provisions of competition law and Single Market rules are adhered to, it is open to all companies to source their products anywhere within the EU.
The company referred to is a private, commercial company over which my Department has no responsibility. However, in view of concerns expressed regarding the sourcing of products by the company, a meeting was arranged to discuss the matter against the background outlined above.
During the meeting, the company explained that it had delisted 25 suppliers, the majority of which were distributors but that the volume of goods purchased from Irish companies remained unchanged. The company stressed that it was committed to growing its business in Ireland and, with the opening of two new stores in the near future, would have 1,200 employees. The company indicated that it would work with Enterprise Ireland, in so far as is possible, to ensure Irish companies can compete for business. The company also stressed that £50 million of products are purchased by their company in the UK from Irish companies every year.