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Departmental Offices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Questions (555)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

555. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason another office (details supplied) has been set up in relation to unfair practices and corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27808/21]

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Written answers

The establishment of an Office of a National Food Ombudsman, or Regulator, is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The new Office or equivalent will have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland and will also incorporate Enforcement Authority functions required by the UTP Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/633 on Unfair Trading Practices in Business-to-Business Relationships in the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain). Responsibility for unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain falls under my remit.

However, as primary legislation is required to establish a New Office of Food Ombudsman or equivalent as a separate statutory body and as the UTP Directive was required to be transposed before 1st May 2021, I signed Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 198 of 2021 transposing the UTP Directive into Irish law on 28th April last.

The transposition of the SI is a significant step in progressing towards a more even playing field for our agricultural producers. The UTP Enforcement Authority required by the UTP Directive has been established as an interim measure in the Department pending the finalisation of the primary legislation to establish the new Office of Food Ombudsman or equivalent.

In April, I launched a public consultation on the primary legislation needed. The consultation also includes questions on whether the legislation should extend the rules of the UTP Directive. Once the primary legislation is finalised, the UTP Enforcement Authority will be incorporated into the new Office once established. The consultation period closes on 26th May 2021.

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