Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2006
163 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether Irish consumers are currently being ripped off due to the ever increasing practice by retailers of labelling goods in both euro and sterling prices; his further views on whether there is a serious problem in this regard and legislation is necessary; if this problem will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8624/06]
View answerThere is an obligation to display the selling price of a product under regulation 4 of Statutory Instrument No. 639 of 2002 [European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations, 2002]. The regulations stipulate that the indication of the selling price be "unambiguous, easily identifiable as referring to that product, clearly visible and legible to prospective customers and in proximity to the product, or in the case of a product for sale by distance contract, to the description of the product". There is nothing in the legislation which forbids the indication of sterling prices on products. However, I accept that difficulties can arise for consumers if a sterling price is shown more prominently than the price in euros. This can be misleading and is not in keeping with the spirit of the legislation. Neither is it in keeping with Government policy that consumers be in a position to make informed choices before proceeding to complete a transaction.
I am reviewing the operation of these regulations and will be seeking legal advice on the issue of dual pricing. I will keep the Deputy informed on any proposed changes in the legislation.
