Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if, arising from recent protests by farming representatives, he is satisfied that the various supermarket chains are fully committed to a fair price structure for the producer and that the use of loss leaders is not used as a means of price reduction at a time of economic difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40638/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe negotiation of commercial contracts is essentially a matter for the contracting parties. Prices paid for products in the marketplace are a function of a number of market forces.
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to enact fair trade legislation in the retail sector so as to ensure balance between various players in the grocery goods sector. This comes under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation – Richard Bruton TD. I understand that legislation is currently being prepared by the Office of the Parliamentary Draftsman, at the request of his Department, to allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice to regulate particular practices in the grocery Trade.
At EU level the high level group on better functioning of the Food Supply Chain has asked the Expert Business to Business Platform to make recommendations on a Community wide approach. The Platform has drafted guidelines of good practice but has not yet reached agreement on implementation. Discussions are continuing.
