Vol. 518 No. 5
74 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated number of people directly or indirectly employed in the grocery industry; the number of people employed in supplying the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12153/00]
According to the CSO Annual Services Inquiry, 1997, the number of persons engaged in the retail grocery trade for 1997 was 73,110, an increase of 25,233 since 1991. Of the total engaged, 25,388 were full-time, 36,190 were part-time and 11,532 were proprietors.
The CSO Census of Industrial Production, 1997 indicates that there were 46,327 persons engaged in the manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco of which 40,262 were engaged in the food sector. While this latter figure includes those engaged in manufacture of food products for both domestic and overseas markets, it is clear that the numbers employed in supply of the domestic market is very significant. In addition, there are employees in importers and distributors and wholesalers serving the grocery trade. The CSO Annual Services Inquiry 1997 shows that there were 11,046 persons engaged in the wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco.
In addition, indirect employment associated with the grocery trade would include the numbers engaged in developing new retail outlets, new food factories as well as the refurbishment and redevelopment of existing ones. There are no statistics available on the number of persons engaged in such activity.
75 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her understanding of the grocery industry's views on the groceries order; her views in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12154/00]
I have received numerous representations, both oral and written, from the grocery industry on the issue of the Groceries Order. I fully understand the views expressed in these representations and they will be taken into account in my consideration of this issue in the future.
