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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Food Industry.

David Stanton

Question:

89 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedures involved for measuring the amount of Irish sourced produce being sold by international food retailers here; if she has satisfied herself that such companies are supporting food producers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5605/02]

At present Tesco is the only retailer that provides details of the amount of product it sources in Ireland. The information is provided on a confidential basis and relates to an agreement between my Department and Bord Bia when Tesco purchased the Quinnsworth-Powers Group. Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia meet Tesco a number of times each year. Issues with existing suppliers are identified and new potential suppliers are also introduced. Through their supplier development programme, Enterprise Ireland helps companies supplying or wishing to supply products which will be sold through multiple retailers.

Meetings have taken place with all the food retailers operating in Ireland but they are not required to make information available about their Irish purchases. The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the EU to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the EU. This is a right which many Irish firms are using very successfully, both in terms of establishing business in other member states and in supplying the single market.

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