Vol. 566 No. 5
40 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to implement the prices order in respect of the costs of diesel and petrol in view of the huge disparity in prices charged throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13249/03]
The responsibility of Government in relation to prices of goods and services generally is, in the main, limited to ensuring that markets work properly for the benefit of consumers and the economy. I am not aware of competition difficulties in the diesel and petrol market. If the Deputy has information that suggests difficulties I urge him to bring it to the attention of the Competition Authority.
Under the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997 there is a legal requirement to display the selling price of diesel and petrol per litre. It is enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs. I have no proposals to make any orders in relation to the price of diesel and petrol.
