Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I was glad to see him there. I ask the Minister of State to take a message to the Minister. If we are to have no barriers or protection for the small people then let us have open competition. There is no point bringing this legislation through the Dáil if we will not put an inspectorate in place. How many people have been prosecuted for overcharging, below-cost selling or failing to have proper signage? There is no point talking about competition if the Department does not implement the law and give the inspectorates powers to inspect what the supermarkets are buying, where and how they are buying it and the price at which they sell it. We must have fair competition. I am sad to speak on this legislation because it is the death knell for small shops. I am disappointed in Fianna Fáil, which always looked after the small man and woman.

See this speech in context