Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. This is a position that has been a cause of concern not just for consumers but also for the economy at large. The manner in which inflation has risen to 5% is the latest in the growing band of adverse statistics. The consumer price index figures are also of great concern in light of the forthcoming talks because the trade unions will argue for significant increases to protect their members from the impact of inflation.

The Minister will be aware of one big bang idea which the Government proposed, the abolition of the groceries order. Why has this failed to deliver the significant promise attendant upon the abolition of that order? I remember the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and others dealing with this issue. Where has the €500 on average gone? What has happened since the groceries order was scrapped? The Competition Authority reckoned that grocery bills would fall by €500 and this has not happened. Where is the black hole of savings that was promised? That is one question.

There have been significant increases in transport costs and the cost of clothing and footwear. Food prices have risen by 10% and this impacts upon lower-income families and makes it difficult for them to survive.

Where are the savings arising from the increase in the value of the euro against sterling and indeed against the dollar? What black hole has this saving gone into? It certainly has not been passed on to consumers who are being ripped off and fleeced. Where has the money gone? Whose function is it to ensure that consumers are protected and that those savings are reflected in their shopping baskets, particularly in the cost of clothing, pharmaceutical items and newspapers, and trade of that nature? There is a need to become and to remain competitive. However, we must also worry about the tourism industry and its competitiveness. Has the National Consumer Agency enough teeth to try to deal with this issue?

Food imports have become cheaper but where is this reflected in the consumer price index basket of goods? Will the Minister arrange for somebody to monitor what is happening with food prices and the price of international tradeable goods? Why are the savings from currency appreciation in this country versus other currencies not reflected in the price of goods? This question is bugging every Irish consumer today.

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