Government proposes new code to ban 'hello money'
The Government is set to publish a draft code of practice for the grocery sector today which will outlaw secret payments from suppliers to supermarkets.
Yesterday, Fine Gael accused major supermarkets of acting illegally and putting jobs at risk by demanding so-called "hello money" from suppliers.
The party said suppliers are paying around €160m a year to major retailers in order to get prominent product placing and promotion.
Reports this morning say the new code of practice will outlaw such payments and will also propose the establishment of an ombudsman to arbitrate in disputes between retailers and suppliers.
The ombudsman would also have the power to investigate complaints by consumer organisations.
The code of practice is being put out to public consultation, with interested parties having until the end of September to make submissions on the matter.
