Vol. 554 No. 5
174 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if evidence is available to her Department in relation to increases in the price of food in 2002; the measures she proposes to take regarding this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16154/02]
The latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that food prices increased by 2.6% in the year ended August 2002. This is 0.2% below the rate recorded in July and 4% lower than the annual rate of inflation for food products recorded for the same period last year. Food inflation is also well below the overall annual rate of inflation of 4.5%. These figures do not support assertions of excessive general levels of price increases in the food sector. I am committed to ensuring that competition operates effectively in all sectors of the economy to the benefit of consumers.
