Aug 11th, 2009

ICMSA slam Tanaiste Coughlan's retail sector 'consultation cop-out'

The President of ICMSA, Jackie Cahill, has accused the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, of operating a system of non-government though endless consultation and prevarication that positively avoids taking necessary decisions in the national interest. Mr Cahill said the fanfare around today's announcement of yet another consultation demonstrates that the Tanaiste and her department either haven't grasped the central problem around the dominant position enjoyed by a few giant multiples, or, even more worryingly, they recognise the problem but are too afraid to do anything about it. That, according to Mr Cahill, is the only explanation for another round of consultation and submissions – all of which will have been made on previous occasions - with the resultant delay in making a decision.

Mr Cahill asked would the code of practice being talked about by the Tanaiste have the force of law. If not, what was the point in the exercise at all? Mr Cahill reminded the Tanaiste that it was her government that abolished the Groceries Order which had provided some protection for suppliers and farmers.

'The Minister is asking eight questions the answers to which are all self-evident before we even start. Why doesn't the Tanaiste act decisively and reclaim control of the Irish food industry? We don't have time for another consultation cop-out'.

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