Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am glad to have the opportunity of responding to this debate. First, I welcome the Tánaiste and congratulate her on the work she has been doing for the consumer in this area. It has been progressive and positive in many ways and I have been very happy to co-operate and support it in as many ways as I possibly can. The initiatives that have been taken are having an effect, albeit far too slowly but the work cannot be done more quickly because there are real difficulties to overcome. It is trying to unlock and uncover issues that have existed for generations, in some cases for centuries. I take heart from the reference in broad general terms in the Tánaiste's speech to the question of regulation. She said, "I support well thought out and properly implemented regulation in areas where competition alone will not achieve optimum consumer welfare." I support this nuanced approach to regulation. That is what it is necessary and where things need to be done.

Elsewhere the Tánaiste referred to the resources and supports for the Competition Authority. Recently I indicated in this House that at the first opportunity I would put a proposal to the Tánaiste and will take the opportunity of doing so now. The Criminal Asset Bureau's success has created some additional resources for the State, perhaps not huge amounts but in the meantime the Competition Authority is now dealing with issues that can lead to criminal charges. It is investigating potential criminal offences, yet its resources – the last time I checked – amounted to no more than three detectives for the whole State.

I ask the Tánaiste to consider as an appropriate move redirecting some of the resources from the CAB to the Competition Authority. This would produce a double gain. In the CAB we are recovering resources that have been stolen from the State in one form or another and which we can now effectively invest in continuing the work under the Competition Authority. It would be an appropriate, positive and progressive quid pro quo to move resources from one area to the other. I ask the Tánaiste to consider whether that is a feasible proposal and whether on its own terms it is feasible for the Competition Authority to attempt to do the work she has set out for it. Nobody in the House will disapprove of or argue against the outline of work that has been laid down but there is a huge amount to do.

Leaving aside the issues dealt with in the Tánaiste's speech and also by Senator Coghlan, with all of which I agree, particularly regarding the Indecon report, there remains the issue of price fixing. In the past week I have travelled around the country a lot and now automatically check fuel prices as I drive through every town. I could make a list of the towns where clearly there are price fixing cartels.