Vol. 535 No. 3
65 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has completed her consideration of whether a new drink prices control order should be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12183/01]
I have previously indicated my firm belief that competition provides the most effective means of keeping prices down. By promoting greater competition we can achieve greater efficiency and more choice for consumers. A valuable and very recent contribution to informing Ministers' deliberations on the policy options has been the OECD report on regulatory reform in Ireland which was launched on 24 April 2001. The report points to the fact that weak competition in key sectors poses risks to future performance; and it recommends the elimination of licensing constraints on free entry, particularly those with quantitative limits. The positive, initial response of the Government to the report, including the action programme developed by the Taoiseach in conjunction with the Tánaiste and the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke, is a matter of public record.
