Vol. 520 No. 4
43 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will institute a comparative survey of new car prices here and in other EU countries with a view to ascertaining whether Irish purchasers pay a higher price; the factors causing such a price differential; if her attention has been drawn to a recent survey in Britain in this regard and its results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15786/00]
The prices of new cars are set by the market. Consumers are encouraged to shop around to get the best deal available. Should consumers have concerns in relation to possible anti-competitive practices, remedies exist under competition law. These are: In Ireland, complaints may be addressed to the Competition Authority; and, where trade between EU member states is concerned, complaints may be addressed to the European Commission – Directorate-General responsible for Competition.
For the information of the Deputy, I might mention that the Commission has been involved in the past in a number of cases relating to the new car market across the EU, and has taken at least one successful legal action in their regard. A number of investigations specifically in relation to new car prices has been carried out by the Commission, although these have not been the subject of legal actions to date. I understand that, in recent times, the Commission has been following up fresh complaints about competition issues regarding the new cars market including, inter alia, allegations of anti-competitive practices, throughout the EU; and that premises in Ireland were among those visited. This latest investigation by the Commission has not yet been concluded. I am aware of the recent survey in Britain. There is no proposal to have a comparative survey of the kind referred to by the Deputy undertaken in Ireland.
