Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to acknowledge the difficulties for staff of Mr. McPartlan's members and, more particularly, the retailers. It should not have happened. There is huge frustration among the public. There is a need for very concise and clear messaging on any further changes in the price in terms of taxes. It is something we will take up. We are going into the next session now. The main point is that this is the start of a process. The next phase is for the Government to get scope in Europe to be able to flex on the VAT rate, which is a huge component of the price of diesel and petrol.

I thank the witnesses for appearing at this session. It has been, in its own way, quite illuminating. We look forward to further engagement with them. We will now take a short break to bring in the witnesses for the second session on the rising cost of food. Thank you all very much.