asked the Taoiseach if he will consider appointing a Minister for Trade and the Consumer similar to the post recently created by the British Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade and Consumer Affairs.
1.
Matters relating to trade and consumer affairs are the concern of the Minister for Industry and Commerce. At the moment, it is not proposed to assign those affairs to another Minister.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this task is not being properly performed and this alleged special concern for the consumer does not exist where the Minister for Industry and Commerce is concerned?
I could not agree less with the Deputy. The whole matter is of deep concern to the Minister for Industry and Commerce and he has shown his concern continually in this respect.
The public anxiety expressed over the cost of living is an indication that there is not enough being done by the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
The Minister, as I have indicated to the Deputy, is concerned at all times about this very serious problem.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary in earnest when he says the cost of living is of concern to the Minister? Rising prices certainly do not seem to concern the Government. Are the Government aware of the serious rises in prices? Prices have gone skyhigh recently, as everybody knows. Sellers seem to be mistaking the new penny for the old penny. Prices are now charged in new pence and an article that cost a penny three years ago now costs two and a half times as much.
The Government are taking action all the time. These are figures that just occur to the Deputy.
Maybe the Government would take the public into their confidence, if they are doing anything.
An article that cost six old pennies two years ago now costs six new pennies.
Would Deputies realise that we have 440 questions to deal with?
Yes, but we would like to get the truth.
The truth? Deputies have just got the truth.
Ask the housewives or let the Parliamentary Secretary ask his own wife and think of the difference in the money he has to give her now and what he gave her 2½ years ago.