Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Retail Prices.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

141 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action, if any, taken in relation to the serious concern in relation to the huge price differential between farm gate prices and retail prices; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers and consumers are seriously concerned about these price differentials; if there is anti-competitive behaviour in the market place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21921/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt).

I am aware of concern expressed recently that falling producer prices for farm produce have not been reflected in retail prices to consumers.

While some time may be needed for reductions in farm gate prices to work their way through to retail prices, as Minister of State with responsibility for consumer affairs, I would wish to see early manifestations of appropriate price reductions to consumers. As this House is aware, the general policy of successive Governments since the mid 1980s is to ensure that there is true competition in the marketplace rather than applying statutory price controls. Accordingly, I have drawn the attention of the Director of Competition Enforcement to a recent debate in this House on this issue and I have asked him to take such action as he considers appropriate. I am also inviting representatives of the retailers to meet me this week to address these concerns. Following those discussions I will decide what additional measures, if any, are required to ensure that consumers benefit from the reduction in producer prices for farm produce.