Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Diesel used to cost less than petrol. However, the price of diesel is increasing each day. On my way to the Dáil, I noticed one petrol station at which diesel is priced at €1.39 per litre. No one can explain why the price of diesel has shot ahead of that of petrol or why it is continuing to rise. The only explanation appears to be that the oil companies, anticipating a shift by motorists to diesel cars and other diesel-powered vehicles as a result of environmental concerns, etc., are taking the opportunity to hike up the price.

Difficulties relating to pricing affect people on a daily basis. The National Consumer Agency was established a couple of years ago but it does not appear to be doing anything about these difficulties. What action does the Government intend to take to address the rise in prices, which is inexplicable and for which there is no justification? What does the Taoiseach intend to do to encourage the National Consumer Agency, which was established by the Oireachtas, to act more effectively in the interests of consumers?

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