Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

The Minister assures us that predatory pricing is covered by existing competition legislation but I have heard views from eminent senior counsel that contradict this contention. The Minister also says he is limited by EU rules in what he can do to strengthen competition legislation regarding predatory pricing. I doubt this and have heard contrary opinions from eminent senior counsel that do not support this view.

It is interesting that the drive to introduce this legislation and repeal the groceries order was borne out of comments by the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority to the effect that the changes would produce lower prices for consumers. The chairman of the consumer strategy group should lease a Centra store in Dublin and go into business. She would then find out how hard it is to run a business and make a margin while satisfying the supplier and consumer. I am convinced that the business would not be long in existence.

It concerns me to see the pace at which commentators and observers are retracting predictions of a boon for consumers on foot of the disappearance of this measure. I am deeply suspicious of the view that consumers will win as a result of the changes in this legislation. I am inclined to agree with comments contained in The Grocer magazine in the UK to the effect that the real winner of the changes will be Tesco. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has not agreed that Tesco has dominated the UK market. I have been in London and all over England and have noted that it has. If the retail sector in England is doing so well and is as vibrant as the Minister and his advisers believe, why has the House of Commons put together an all-party committee to investigate the retail trade in the United Kingdom? There are many cities, towns, small hamlets and villages in the United Kingdom and, in some, Tesco has three shops, thereby dominating the market——

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