The minimum grocery price order was part of Government policy for some time. It was put in place to ensure major outlets would not have loss leaders and to limit the size of superstores on the outskirts of towns. However, that is not the main issue. When our surveys are completed, it may be possible to impose maximum price levels on drink and food. The restaurant sector is seen as a serious contender in this regard. The report published by Forfás states the increases in consumer prices over the past five years have sharply outpaced those in our European neighbours. Ireland is the second highest in the euro zone after Finland. Pubs and restaurants are the worst offenders, with the most expensive food from low priced outlets, the second from mid-priced outlets and the third from high priced outlets. The power is in the hands of consumers and we must empower them to use it. As Members of this House, we must take action through Government policies to retain the lowest possible and most competitive pricing. We do not want to outprice ourselves as we are now in the euro zone which means people can compare costs in Spain, Greece or anywhere else within the zone. Our costs exceed those in most other European countries, with the exception of Finland, an advanced society with a high standard of living.