Vol. 436 No. 5
92 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to cases where the price differentials between Ireland and other EC countries are excessive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Our low inflation of recent years has helped to narrow price differentials between Ireland and our EC partners.
With regard to prices in general, I should stress that Government policy aims at the development of competition throughout the economy and encouraging further consumer awareness of prices. In this regard, the Competition Act, 1991 sets down the legal framework which is necessary to protect the market and to promote the principles of free and fair competition in which the market operates. Consumers also have a particular role here and should be sensitive to the range of prices on offer and purchase accordingly.
