TD on supermarkets: About time govt 'reined these cowboys in'
Labour TD, Conor Sheehan has described supermarkets as "cowboys", and has called for the government to implement a motion that was introduced to the Dáil yesterday (July 9).
Social Democrats TD, Jennifer Whitmore introduced a motion calling for the government to "introduce legislation requiring all grocery retailers operating in Ireland with annual turnover above €10 million to publish full audited annual financial accounts".
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Deputy Whitmore said: "The scale and the speed at which prices are increasing is astronomical and there is no sign of it slowing down.
"In a few short years, the costs for families has increased by €3,000 per year. Grocery costs are now skyrocketing at three times the rate of inflation."
"Anyone doing their shopping will have noticed it; I am sure the Minister of State has noticed it," Deputy Whitmore added.
Labour TD, Deputy Sheehan believes that supermarkets should be forced to publish their profit margins.
The Limerick City TD said: "People are going around supermarkets around this country like eejits trying to buy 'X' amount of products to get a fiver or a tenner off the shopping or buying particular products and scanning the app so the price will drop.
"Research in 2022 found that Irish shoppers are spending €500 annually chasing voucher deals. I bet that figure has doubled since then. They are causing people to waste money.
"It is about time government implemented our bill and reined these cowboys in," Deputy Sheehan added.
During the debate, Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae thanked the Social Democrats for bringing the topic before the Dáil.
He said: "Farmers are not being paid a realistic price. For example, it would not make sense for farmers here in Ireland to sell potatoes to the supermarket because the supermarkets are selling them for less, wherever they are getting them, than they could pay the farmers.
"It is grand to come up from Kerry and move into good land along the way and see all the fields of grain and corn turning yellow and gold. However, it is sorrowful to hear that farmers are not being paid properly for that," the TD explained.
The Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer claimed the government acknowledges the concerns regarding the rising cost of groceries.
According to the minister, the government is "not standing still" on the issue, and it is actively progressing a comprehensive suite of targeted measures designed to support consumers, enhance market transparency and strengthen regulatory oversight in the grocery sector.
Minister of State Buttimer said: "We recognise that food inflation has been a persistent concern. While recent trends show some easing, we remain vigilant.
"I have heard the concerns of members this morning. I myself shop, despite some of the comments earlier, and there is a genuine concern among everybody about the cost of shopping and the grocery bill and other issues as well."
"While we appreciate the intent behind the motion and genuinely understand and hear the frustration of people, despite some of the commentary, we are not living in ivory towers and are not aloof; we live among and in our communities.
"We believe the government's current and planned measures represent a more effective and proportionate response," he added.
