Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the Government is taking the legislative route on this issue. We can have all the discussions we want on this matter. I agree with the Deputy that the supermarkets should not be increasing the prices of essential goods. We gave a commitment in the programme for Government that we would deal with anti-competitive practices in the grocery goods sector. We will deliver on that in the consumer and competition Bill, which will be published this session. There will be an opportunity for Members to participate in the debate on the Bill when it is presented. That action is being taken to protect the consumer against overpricing, profiteering and anti-competitive practices in the grocery goods sector.

Supermarkets and supermarket chains are aware of the Government’s intention in this regard. The message should be clear to them on their pricing policies. I would expect them to act accordingly.

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