Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I accept that but the person to whom I refer has ceased to be an effective agent as regards the control of prices. I do not know why that is the case but perhaps she is afraid to rock the boat for the Government, which has failed to take action.

There were reports in yesterday's newspapers — this matter will be of great interest to the Cathaoirleach — that the Revenue is going to investigate price-fixing among car companies such as Ford and others. The Government can make moves, through the Revenue, to stop such price-fixing. This is another area in which consumers are being ripped off.

The lip-service paid to consumers rights by various Ministers to date has fallen on deaf ears. It hurts the Government when we mention rip-off Ireland. The Minister must put in place effective measures to control price increases in areas over which it has greatest control.