John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I do not consider that legislation is the answer to this problem. The fact that publicans must display their prices is welcome. The Director of Consumer Affairs was highly critical of eight Kilkenny publicans recently, and rightly so. However, she confirmed that the majority of publicans do not increase their prices in the way in which those Kilkenny publicans did.

The regulations governing hotels and registration with Fáilte Ireland are clear. They must display their maximum prices. It is impossible for us, given that we are without the necessary legislative tool, to insist at a given time of year that they would charge less than the maximum price and that they would not charge the maximum price in the off-season or in respect of special events. All we can do is ask people to complain to us if the maximum price is exceeded. They can do this by contacting Fáilte Ireland. Unfortunately, there are people who will be unscrupulous. In the final analysis the market finds its own level. In time people discover who is and who is not involved in unfair pricing and make decisions accordingly.

I am anxious, particularly during the course of major events, that there would not be price hikes which are unfair to the consumer. In that context, for example, we asked that the Ryder Cup event be closely monitored to ensure that people do not leave this country following their visit here for it with the view that they were charged unfairly, or treated badly or wrongly.

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