Vol. 556 No. 3
111 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent survey undertaken on behalf of AgriAware showing that 93% of those surveyed believed food prices had increased significantly since the introduction of the euro; the steps she is taking to address consumer concerns regarding price increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20345/02]
I am not familiar with the details of the survey referred to by the Deputy. The latest official figures published by the Central Statistics Office, however, show that food prices increased by 2.6% in the year ended September 2002. This figure is 4.1% lower than the annual rate of inflation for food products recorded for the same period last year. Food inflation is also well below the overall annual rate of inflation of 4.5%. These figures do not support assertions of excessive general levels of price increases in the food sector since the changeover to the euro.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 83.
