Vol. 576 No. 6
96 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has studied the Tansey Webster Stewart report commissioned by RGDATA on food production and prices in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30250/03]
I have noted with interest the recently published report entitled "Food Production and Food Prices in Ireland" which was prepared by Tansey Webster Stewart and Company for RGDATA, IBEC and IADT. The report confirms the importance of the food and drinks industry to our economy in terms of employment, exports and consumer spending. Its analysis of food prices and related matters is a valuable contribution to our understanding of many issues in that area. The report will be taken into consideration by me and by my Department in ongoing policy work, particularly in relation to competition and consumer policy and to competitiveness issues generally.
