Vol. 498 No. 5
146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there has been a diminution of the extent to which Irish produced food products are sold in the multinational chain stores; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28119/98]
As I indicated in my reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 12 November last, the rules governing the Single Market preclude any member state from restricting the free movement of goods on grounds of trade. Equally, no member state can compel its retailers to source supplies from its domestic producers.
The reality is that some Irish producers have experienced difficulties in securing a market for their products with the multinationals. In overall terms however, Irish food producers are benefiting and will continue to benefit from the presence of multinational retail outlets here, not least because of the opportunity this provides for access to markets abroad.
I am confident that real opportunities exist for the Irish supply base to realise its full potential both at home and abroad. Enterprise Ireland and An Bord Bia are fully committed to ensuring accelerated progress in this respect in 1999.
