asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there has been an increase in the number of inspectors employed by his Department in the last 12 months whose duty is to ensure that the regulations requiring the display of prices at retail level are being observed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Inspectors.
50.
The number of price inspectors currently employed, whose duties include the enforcement of the Retail Price (Food) Display Order, 1973, and the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1972, is 40, compared with 15 12 months ago.
Can the Minister say how effective these individuals are?
I have no complaint whatever about their performances as individuals——
I meant in the context of their employment.
I was simply taking up the form of words used. There is a limit to the amount that can be done by employed inspectors and there is an important role for the public through their voluntary organisations and through the Priceline service we set up. There are delays in the courts. I cannot say that I am satisfied with the level of prosecutions resulting from their activities. This again is an area where co-operation by the public through Priceline and otherwise would be helpful.
The Minister is not setting a good example with some of the price increases he is allowing.