Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Product Prices.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

101 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the individual pricing of goods on supermarket shelves will contribute to better informing the public on disparity in prices and help counter profiteering; if she will consider introducing legislation to provide for such a scheme of labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18461/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

The European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 – S.I. No. 639 of 2002 – are based on European Directive 98/6/EC, which requires pricing of products to be indicated in a clear and unambiguous manner. The regulations allow for retailers and supermarkets to price goods individually or to use shelf stickers, wall charts, notices or catalogues. The essential obligation on retailers is to provide pricing which is clear and unambiguous. However, it is up to the retailers to decide which method to use. In practical terms, most shops now have scanning facilities and as a result prices are usually on shelf stickers and less often on the products themselves.

These regulations came into effect on 1 March 2003 and are now actively enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs. So far, I am satisfied that these regulations help consumers to be better informed about prices and, most importantly, to make accurate price comparisons between different brands and sizes. I hope this initiative will help consumers get value for money and stimulate more competition among retailers and suppliers. I have no other plans currently to introduce any other legislation on the matter.