Vol. 491 No. 3
53 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedures, if any, in place nation-wide to monitor petrol prices; if her attention has been drawn to any irregularities that might suggest price fixing arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12040/98]
138 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedures, if any, in place nation-wide to monitor petrol prices; if her attention has been drawn to any irregularities that might suggest price fixing arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12217/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 138 together.
Under the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order, 1997, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs monitors the display of diesel and petrol price notices, which must provide certain information in a specified manner. There are no procedures or regulations in force governing the retail price of petrol. I have not received any allegations of anti-competitive behaviour that might suggest price fixing arrangements in the area of petrol prices. Any such allegations should be brought to the attention of the Director of Competition Enforcement with a request that he investigate the alleged breach or breaches. The Director of Competition Enforcement can be contacted at the offices of the Competition Authority, Parnell House, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Alternatively, a civil action can be taken under section 6 of the Competition Act, 1991.
