Vol. 573 No. 2
33 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will expand on her recent advice to consumers to show a greater willingness to compare prices and shop around; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24481/03]
In my comments over the summer, I was seeking to draw attention to the importance of the role which consumers can play in helping to make markets for goods and services work better. Consumers possess considerable purchasing power; without them there would be no markets. That is not to underestimate the responsibilities which Government has in the matter, especially in relation to competition and consumer policy. There is a need in our society to encourage and energise consumers to be more active participants in the market process and I make no apologies for availing of every opportunity to push that agenda. My message to consumers is that if they have financial clout, they should use it.
