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Price Inflation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2005

Wednesday, 9 February 2005

Questions (169)

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

210 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding action being taken to control the rise in the cost of living; the initiatives which are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/05]

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Written answers

The Government recognises the importance of this issue as reflected in the anti-inflation provisions in the Sustaining Progress partnership agreement which are being followed up and monitored by a group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, on which my Department is represented.

Empowered consumers seeking the best value possible when making purchasing decisions are a vital part of curbing rising prices in any economy, as are competitive markets, which allow consumers to exercise choice. It is important that consumers are given sufficient information to make choices. To this end we have legislation in place, which ensures that consumers are provided with clear price information prior to making a decision to purchase goods. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, ODCA, enforces this legislation.

I also want to increase the information available to busy consumers on general price levels prevailing and my Department's close co-operation with the Central Statistics Office, CSO, has led to a new initiative whereby data for average prices in Dublin and outside Dublin in May was published last July. These data were drawn from the national average prices published for the consumer price index. This continued with the publication of figures for November being brought forward to December and my issuing a press release highlighting and welcoming the analysis. My Department will continue to work with the CSO, ODCA, the Consumers Association of Ireland and Forfás on ways to provide consumers with more user-friendly data on prices.

Early last year the Government established the consumer strategy group to advise and make recommendations for the development of a national consumer policy. In the performance of this role the consumer strategy group has carried out a range of activities, including studies that investigate issues of special concern. Price trends with other parts of Europe have been examined and some prices have been the subject of additional investigation, including those of fruit and vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The group will report to me at the end of this month and I plan to give the report prompt attention and consideration as soon as I receive it.

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