There has been rumour and speculation for many years regarding unfair practices within the grocery sector, in the context of the uneasy relationship that exists between producers and large multiples in this country. A statutory code of conduct is long overdue to regulate the conduct of the grocery sector. Will the Taoiseach indicate the progress that has been made on the consumer and competition Bill?

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel provided revised drafts of the provisions of that Bill which relate to the amalgamation of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority on 28 June. In addition, the office sent a memorandum to the Department regarding certain legal issues on 21 June. A response to most of the issues raised was conveyed back to that office on 8 July.

In regard to the media merger provisions in the Bill, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel raised a series of very detailed questions on 25 June which are being jointly considered by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Bill is at a very advanced stage, but publication might not happen before the Dáil rises for the summer recess on account of the extensive and very particular range of issues raised by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.