Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This had a significant impact on global prices. Food prices have increased significantly, particularly in the last six months, and various explanations have been put forward for this. Since the abolition of the groceries order, the monthly consumer price index information from the Central Statistics Office has included a comparison of price movement in respect of goods previously included under the remit of the order versus non-groceries order products. The clear indication is that the international increase in food prices has fed into the situation here. Notwithstanding that, I did not make any specific promises in respect of the abolition of the groceries order. I took a sensible approach in the knowledge that one can never predict unforeseen events and circumstances. I considered foolish the excessive claims that were made on both sides of that debate. The world did not come tumbling down in the ways predicted by some on either side. It may be a salutary lesson to all concerned that debates can be conducted in a more constructive fashion.

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