The Food, Drink and Tobacco Federation of IBEC has called on the British pharmacy chain Boots to give a commitment to source products from Irish suppliers. Federation director, Mr Ciaran Fitzgerald, stressed that Boots are legally obliged to source pharmacy products which carry a product authorisation number from Irish suppliers.

"However, Boots have, since its take-over of Hayes Cunningham Robinson, sourced all other grocery and cosmetic products directly from the UK, effectively by-passing Irish suppliers. This, in addition to their failure to provide the Irish consumer with Irish products, is a clear refusal by Boots to make a commitment to manufacturers, suppliers and consumers in Ireland," according to Mr Fitzgerald.