Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The issue of prices and inflation, raised by Senator Finucane, can be discussed during the debate on Sustaining Progress. However, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has raised the issue of the groceries order on three or four occasions recently. I do not know what is the correct view to take. I suspect most of us are the same. We have received material for and against from all sides. It does not appear to have worked in terms of controlling prices. That is the only bottom line that I know. In my heart I feel it should be retained but my head tells me that if it is not working then maybe it should be changed.

I would like to hear from the Tánaiste, and I put it to the Leader that a debate would be very helpful. There are no differences on either side of the House on this issue. People have views in terms of wanting to protect small shops and various parts of industry and so on, but we also want to make sure that the consumer is getting the best deal possible. I do not know the answer but I ask that the Tánaiste come to the House and open up this debate. Let us have a debate without necessarily coming to a conclusion on it. Let us have information and hear views in order to help us to come to a conclusion on the best way forward before people start taking a stance for and against the Government position. It would be very useful to have a consultation and discussion at this point.