Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to invite to the House the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, to discuss the proposals relating to the withdrawal of the below cost selling order for supermarkets and the lifting of restrictions on the size of supermarkets. There should also be a discussion on the growth of companies such as Lidl and Aldi which are taking a very large share of the Irish market but not selling Irish goods in their stores. We have a deep concern about what is happening in the retail sector. I know the Government is concerned about inflation. I would, however, be more concerned about the removal of the below cost selling order as it relates to the provision of loss leaders by supermarkets in order to bring in customers. We have tremendous knowledge on this topic in the House. Members on all sides would contribute to the debate.