Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Retail Sector Developments.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

20 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communication, if any, she has with Boots management concerning the reduction in the number of its Irish suppliers since it opened premises here. [21878/99]

Nora Owen

Ceist:

82 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communication, if any, she has with Boots management concerning the reduction in its number of Irish suppliers since it opened premises here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22048/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 82 together.

Officials of my Department and Enterprise Ireland have had a number of contacts with Boots concerning the issue raised by the Deputy.

During the course of these contacts the company explained that it had delisted 25 suppliers, the majority of which were distributors, but that the volume of goods purchased from Irish suppliers remained unchanged. The company referred to the fact that £50 million of products are purchased annually by Boots UK from Irish companies. The company stressed that it was committed to growing its business in Ireland and, with the planned opening of two new stores in Waterford and Galway, would have 1,200 employees. Both stores were subsequently opened. The company also indicated that it would continue to work with Enterprise Ireland, in so far as is possible, to ensure Irish companies can compete for business.

The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the European Union. This is a right which many Irish firms are exploiting very successfully, both in terms of establishing businesses in other member states and in supplying the Single Market. Once the relevant provisions of competition law and Single Market rules are adhered to, it is open to all companies to source their products anywhere within the EU.