Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I have read the Deputy's contribution to the debate which bounced around like a pinball. At one point he told us he seeks a pragmatic outcome, namely, lower prices, while in virtually the same breath he informed the House he wishes to protect retailers from aggressive pricing tactics. Perhaps he knows how to reconcile both views but I am unable to do so.

Deputy Hogan informed us he has a plan to boost the resources of the Competition Authority in order that it can be a real force working on behalf of consumers. He then rejected out of hand the authority's view of competition law and dismissed its comments on the groceries order as worthless. Perhaps he wishes to double its resources so that he can disagree with twice as many of its decisions.

See this speech in context