Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Leyden on this issue. It is wrong for the Minister to suggest that it is a contributory factor to increases in inflation. The decision to restrict the overall size of supermarkets was made only two years ago. My friend, Senator Coghlan, was heavily involved in the issue then. There is competition in the marketplace. The two German supermarkets which have a presence in the country intend to build another 140 to 160 stores. However, consumers will ultimately decide. If the restriction was lifted, it may lead to the construction of hypermarkets, which would have a detrimental impact on stores around the country.