Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
98. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the purpose of the Hortforum; the progress made by it in ensuring that horticulture farmers get adequate prices for their produce to remain viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39845/15]
View answer99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to examine whether below-cost selling of fruit, vegetables and potatoes increases food wastage; if it does, the steps he will take to ban the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39846/15]
View answer100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure there is no sale of vegetables, fruit and potatoes at uneconomic prices during Christmas 2015, as happened two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39847/15]
View answer101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to stop the week-to-week price volatility for farmers in the horticulture sector, given the serious impact on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39848/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 to 101, inclusive, together.
The legislative powers to tackle the matters mentioned are under the auspices of the Department of Jobs, Innovation and Trade, together with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The Commission, which was established on 31 October 2014, is the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection and competition law in Ireland.
During 2014, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation introduced the new Competition and Consumer Protection Act (No 29 of 2014). The Act provides for the making of provisions for regulating certain practices in the grocery goods sector. I understand that the Department of JEI is currently finalising the implementation of Grocery Regulations under this legislation. This, I hope, will guide the supermarkets in how they deal with producers in a fair and reasonable manner.
The price levels struck by growers with retail outlets are entirely a commercial matter. Whilst it is not my role to set supermarket prices for agricultural products or to be involved in price negotiations between growers and retailers, I very much encourage greater co-operation and discussion between all parties in order to ensure the viability of the largest number of Irish growers possible.
The Horticultural Forum was established to act as a voice for the edible horticultural sector to represent the interests of the sector in relation to issues facing Irish growers, which would include strengthening the position of growers in the supply chain. Membership of the Forum includes growers, other stakeholders including companies involved in the marketing of edible horticultural produce, and representatives of Bord Bia, IFA & Teagasc. In order to avoid any conflict of interest, my Department is not represented on the Forum but is available to attend meetings and to provide technical assistance. The Forum has a broad remit and has established a smaller steering group to direct its activities. It has engaged a consultant to provide some guidance in respect of a number of areas of interest. The Forum sets its own agenda and my Department is not involved in influencing what subjects it pursues.
