Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

If my comments were not part of the debate, the Ceann Comhairle would correct me. I must be within the parameters of parliamentary debate if the Ceann Comhairle is satisfied.

I welcome the focus in the legislation on areas such as resale, price maintenance and practices such as compelling other parties to pay advertising allowances and providing what was described yesterday as hello money. All repellent, anti-competitive practices engaged in by those concerned with maximising their profits demonstrate a complete indifference to the effect such practices have on the retail customer.

I am pleased to note the Bill gives aggrieved persons and the Competition Authority a similar right to take an action against would-be rip-off merchants, either in the Circuit Court or High Court. Also welcome is the removal of a number of limitations on the functions of the Competition Authority connected to its right to pursue in the courts those engaged in anti-competitive practices. As is evident from the Bill, some of the anti-competitive practices to which I referred have been the subject of statutory orders in the past. It is good they are being addressed in this legislation to amend the Competition Act 2002. The Bill is welcome as it will undoubtedly work towards removing anti-competitive practices which work against customers at the supermarket check-out and grocery shop counter.

We are all committed to ensuring citizens continue to take an interest in the business of the Houses and I make a small contribution in this regard. Wiser colleagues have advised me to ensure groups, organisations and schoolchildren from our constituencies visit the Houses as often as possible. I note it is quiet in the Visitors Gallery today, which is fine. Perhaps I should not repeat the words of my constituency colleague, Deputy Rabbitte, who once stated that those who watch "Oireachtas Report" are either insomniacs or have taken a couple of drinks. The Deputy's remarks may be half accurate. Unfortunately, the image projected of the House sometimes is that no work is done here and Members are largely absent. I hope Deputies will continue to make an effort in this regard.

It is important that members of the public are aware of what is said and done in the House. This legislation has generated considerable public interest. It will impact on people's pockets on a daily basis given that every family spends some time each week shopping. People will follow this debate and will come to regard this important legislation as a step in the right direction. A certain amount of tweaking of it may still be necessary and new measures may need to be introduced.

I was brave enough to express some concern about the legislation arising from my background in the grocery trade and the responses I have heard from people who used to work with me. The Minister's role is to exercise vigilance about prices. This Bill will affect prices. In a colourful contribution yesterday, one of my colleagues described how people are lured into supermarkets by the prospect of items being given away only to be ripped off on the price of other items. I hope the Department will be vigilant about such practices. Ultimately, the priority must be to ensure consumers reap benefits and enjoy value for money.

It is universally accepted that the economy is in good shape, people have work opportunities they did not have in the past and the requirements of young people seeking jobs are being met. Moreover, unlike many Irish people in the past, including me and members of my family, we no longer need to emigrate. We must ensure economic progress continues and people get value for money. In this context, I am not afraid to criticise when criticism is necessary. Constituents of mine and visitors to the country complain that while Ireland has made significant progress, it has become a different place and one is ripped off in restaurants and other businesses. The focus of the legislation is on the grocery trade but it is also necessary to examine these wider issues. We must ensure people continue to benefit from the progress which will, I hope, be sustained as a result of another partnership deal.

I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate and I intend to listen to many more contributions. The Minister and Minister of State are on the right track, although it may be necessary to tweak the legislation. As always, a debate will be necessary as people voice their views on the Bill but it will secure broad support. I hope the Minister will ensure it is properly implemented and prevent businesses from running amok with prices in order that the public will come to regard it as progressive legislation.

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