Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Daly for this. He is so right. The Government is absolutely at one in recognising that just because inflation has fallen, it does not mean the cost of going to the supermarket has fallen as well. The cost of living still remains high. People see that in their weekly shop. They see it when they go to the checkout with their trolley. While we have been very clear that there will not be a cost of living specific measure between September, October and December, that is not to say that a budget of over €100 billion - probably around €120 billion - will not try to help people with their cost of living. Of course it will. Every budget does, in terms of looking at what we can do for older people, younger people and families. That will be the approach we will all take together. However, specifically on the issue of grocery prices, we want to ensure consumers are treated fairly, that pricing is transparent and that competition in the retail sector remains robust. Our colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Dillon, has met with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and has asked it to conduct an updated analysis of the Irish grocery retail sector on the issue of excessive pricing. I am told that piece of work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

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