Mr. Brian McHugh:

We looked at whether the inflation problem, which is a very real problem, is driven by a lack of competition among supermarkets in Ireland. We did not find significant problems in that area. We also engaged closely with An Rialálaí Agriabhia, which has powers to look at the food supply chain. We have a good relationship with it. I know it is looking for extra powers in terms of its ability to get certain information and to look along the supply chain to see what is happening. It publishes interesting reports in that area.

Again, in the context of where the CCPC comes from and today’s discussion on competitiveness, I know that if the Deputy were to provide to his constituents the figures I provided earlier, it would not make a difference because they feel the effect today. In the big picture long term, however, the entry into Ireland of those supermarkets has had a huge, positive impact for consumers. That is the kind of big picture we look at. We look at what markets are functioning well and what markets need reform. It takes time for reforms to come through. I know people do not feel it and I have the same conversations myself, but supermarket competition is actually in a better place in Ireland than it used to be.