Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I refute the Deputy's remarks. As always, Deputy Varadkar moves off on a whim and goes for the facts afterwards. I do it the other way around. We have established the facts, that is, the cost of doing business. There continues to be a differential between North and South, taking into consideration all the competitive issues the Deputy addressed.

I have met with retailers ad infinitum. Many of them are doing their utmost to reduce prices but cannot do so when they cannot access a sterling price list. Those are issues in the supply chain and route to market which are being investigated. Under section 32 of the Competition Act 2002, the Competition Authority carries out studies on retail distribution and imports. I do not have clarity on this issue and, therefore, I have asked the Competition Authority to investigate the matter and report to me by 30 April in order that I can address the issue.

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