Government remains committed to tackling grocery goods sector - Fitzpatrick

The Government remains committed to tackling the grocery goods sector and to ensuring that there is a fair relationship between retailers and suppliers, according to Micheal Fitpatrick, FF TD for North Kildare and Convernor of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise.

Responding to reports in the Irish Times today concerning Tesco’s treatment of its suppliers, Deputy Fitzpatrick said: “The Renewed Programme for Government provided a commitment to the introduction of a Code of Conduct for doing business in the grocery goods sector. In line with this, the Department of Enterprise launched a public consultation process seeking the views of all relevant stakeholders.”

“The aim of the Code, which is due to be published shortly, is to achieve as fair a balance as possible in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector. It will also take into account the interests of the consumer and the need to pass on lower prices. ”

“The code will initially operate on a voluntary basis. However, it is envisaged that it will be put on a statutory footing when the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority are merged into a single body in new legislation later this year,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.