Concerns have been raised over whether a new Agri Food Regulator will actually be able to make an impact.
Independent TD for Clare Michael McNamara was speaking as plans advance for a new independent statutory body to promote "fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain."
Deputy McNamara told Moncrieff he is not sure what the regulator will actually be able to do.
"We know that prices are going up, we know what farmers are being paid, we know their costs of production are rising," he said.
"We know what they're being paid and we know what consumers are being paid - but we don't know anything in between.
"The regulator doesn't have the power to enquire what the retailers are paying the processors.
"That's a huge problem because retailers profits are exploding".
'They don't have power to enquire'
Deputy McNamara said more investigative powers are needed.
"Somebody, somewhere is making a lot of money - we don't know who," he said.
"This regulator's been set up, but they don't have the power to enquire about that information.
"All they can do is look at the data that's already in the public domain.
"Any economist in a university can look at that if they're inclined to do so.
"So it's an odd construct".
Deputy McNamara added: "I'm not entirely convinced - other than creating a job for a retired senior civil servant in the Department of Agriculture - they do tend to go on to work for either the dairy co-ops or the meat processors after they finish in the Department of Agriculture.
"But it doesn't seem like they're going to be able to bring much clarity to bear, unfortunately".
What will it do?
The regulator will have powers to levy fines of up to €10 million on buyers - including retailers food producers and processors - who engage in unfair trading practices with farmers and other suppliers.
The office will also have powers to investigate breaches such as late payments to suppliers, misuse of trade secrets, commercial retaliation and unilateral contract changes.
It is also proposed that the regulator undertakes a "price and market analysis and reporting function" to help bring greater transparency to the agricultural and food supply chain.
