Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sale of Irish Products.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

64 Mr. Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concern still being expressed by RGDATA in relation to the operation of a company (details supplied); and if she has satisfied herself that this company is abiding by the commitments made to the last Government regarding the sale of Irish products. [4220/98]

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Ceist:

68 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concern still being expressed by RGDATA in relation to the operation of a company (details supplied); and if she has satisfied herself that this company is abiding by the commitments made to the last Government regarding the sale of Irish products. [4218/98]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

80 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concern still being expressed by RGDATA in relation to the operation of a company (details supplied); and if she has satisfied herself that this company is abiding by the commitments made to the last Government regarding the sale of Irish products. [4217/98]

Nora Owen

Ceist:

115 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the great concern still being expressed by RGDATA in relation to the operation of a company (details supplied); and if she has satisfied herself that this company is abiding by the commitments made to the last Government about the sale of Irish products. [4337/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 64, 68, 80 and 115 together.

I am fully aware of the concerns expressed by RGDATA on behalf of its members regarding the operation of this company. In January last, I met senior officials from RGDATA and we had a full discussion of the issues of concern to them.

In regard to the commitments given concerning the sale of Irish products, I met the company's chief executive and his Irish management team last September to emphasise the critical importance of honouring the commitments given earlier. The company assured me it would abide not only by the letter but also by the spirit of the undertakings into which it had entered. These assurances were subsequently confirmed to me in writing.

I understand that technical teams from Tesco Ireland are also working closely with a number of Irish companies on the production of new products for the Irish market. Furthermore Tesco is co-operating with Forbairt and Bord Bia in identifying and maximising opportunities for Irish products throughout its entire organisation.

I have arranged to meet senior executives of Tesco plc again shortly to discuss the range of issues of interest to Irish suppliers and distributors.