Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy, although it is only fair to point out that the European Commission has looked across countries and ranks us as one in which there is high competitiveness and the situation is improving. Ireland is in the top rank of countries and the Commission believes we are making good headway. This is reflected in a comparison of our price indices relative to those of other European countries whereby we are improving year on year. Our prices are still higher in significant areas but are improving across most of them, which is encouraging. However, I agree with the Deputy that we need to have a stronger competition code. We have put in place, with the assistance of the committee, stronger legislation and more effective legal mechanisms and slated additional resources for the investigative and prosecutory powers of the authority. This will provide the authority with the flexibility it needs to provide for more effective enforcement of the new legislation.

The merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency is a positive step. They are both about effective markets and bring expertise from two sides. It is well worth looking at some of the agency's work on price comparisons in key areas where it has highlighted differences across professions, including doctors, dentists, lawyers and financial product people. The agency does great work that gives people a chance to take some of the power into their own hands. That is work it will continue to do. As always, if the Deputy has concerns about abuses of competition law in any sector, they will be investigated. If there is a sector in which there are issues anyone believes need to be investigated, this is an independent body which will look at the case being made without fear or favour. This is reflected in some of the earlier comments made. It will investigate, regardless of who is involved.