Mr. Arnold Dillon:

We have not canvassed members recently on their position on below-cost selling. I will make a number of observations because I appreciate that committee members are anxious to hear the perspective of retailers on this. When it comes to below-cost selling, the first point to make is that such promotions are paid for by retailers and they are of enormous value to consumers. It is important to make this point ,particularly in the context of the significant cost of living increases we have seen. There is also the desire of the retail sector, which is very competitive, to continue to be able to deliver value for money to its consumers. When the debate took place on the groceries order, some of the most strident advocates for its abolition were consumer advocates.

We should be very careful about taking any steps that are likely to lead and push up the cost of food to Irish consumers. I also refer to the Minister's comments last week, with which we would concur, that there were very limited data to suggest it actually had the desired effect with the objectives of the ban. If that issue arises again and becomes a live and active debate, we would be happy to engage with members on that and come back to the committee to reflect those views.