John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I compliment Deputy Hogan on raising the very important Competition Act 2002. It is a shocking indictment of the Government that young and old people across the country are becoming increasingly appalled at the high cost of living. This is bad management of taxpayers' money and rip-off government in every sense. In 1997, €27 billion was taken out of the economy, and up to €48 billion is now coming out indirectly. We are now literally paying tax on our tax; that is how bad it is.

It is the fault of this Government and no one else that we are in this position. We have heard nothing about the appointment of regulators, and since the last election the Government has hit taxpayers 36 times with new taxes and charges. This year alone, we saw accident and emergency charges rise by €10, while the drugs refund scheme threshold rose again to €85. ComReg has approved increases in the cost of sending packages and parcels. The management of services by the State would lead in a private company to the board of directors being sacked instantly, since there is no accountability or value for money. Competition is the lifeblood of trade in the business world, but there is certainly no competition in Government-provided services. Is there no end to the financial burdens the Government will impose on people?

The Minister has suggested the abolition of the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987, but that is only a smoke-screen. I totally agree with its abolition, operating in the supermarket business myself, since it is completely outdated. The Minister has said there will be a €1,000 saving to every householder.

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