Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy may be aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, has met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, and has asked it to conduct an analysis of the Irish grocery retail sector, with a view to determine the existence of excessive pricing or not in an evidence-based way. We also have the equivalent of the agricultural ombudsman in terms of food prices. We are looking at strengthening the powers of the CCPC to protect consumers. Last week there was again engagement with the CCPC on the motor industry.

The Government is very committed to reducing the cost of living. I did not outline a laundry list of measures; they are substantive measures that actually have been mainstreamed into budget provision. This year we will move to mainstreaming with our budgetary allocation. It is exactly the same situation as last year and as we did then, the Estimates process and the budget will deal with all these issues in respect of supports for students.

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