Vol. 576 No. 5
107 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on reports (details supplied) that retail margins in the food sector have risen from 11% in the early 1990s to 26% in 2003; if this is due to insufficient competition; and the action she intends to take in this regard. [29637/03]
I have noted the press report to which the Deputy refers and the statement contained in it relating to increases in gross margins among the larger players in Irish food retailing.
While I am not in a position to confirm the accuracy of the statement concerned, I am of the view that the best way to protect the economic interests of consumers, in this or in any other sector, is by ensuring that competition is operating effectively and that consumers are empowered to be effective participants in the market process.
The current range of policy measures in the competition and consumer field are, in my view, working well but there is an ongoing need to keep their operation under active review, particularly regarding such an important sector as the food industry.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 95.
