Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Forfás Report.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

29 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to bring proposals to Government arising from the recent Forfás report showing that Ireland is now the second most expensive place to live in the Eurozone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24863/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I can only repeat what I said to an identical question on 5 November.

The Forfás report has been fully considered and will be used to influence the relevant policy areas. I have also taken steps to strengthen the powers of the Competition Authority to investigate price fixing and other anti-competitive practices. I stress that my priority is to ensure the removal of unwarranted restrictions on competition in all sectors of the economy.

However, for competition to be effective, consumers must be given the information that will allow them to compare prices; they must also be prepared to be assertive in shopping elsewhere if they are unhappy with the prices they are paying. In this regard, I will shortly introduce new price display regulations that will clarify and underline the obligations of retailers and other traders to provide legible and transparent information on prices to consumers.