John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

There is a common theme in many of this morning's interventions. Senators Brian Hayes, O'Toole, Ryan, Hanafin, Finucane, Norris, Coonan and Callanan raised the matters of lamb prices and consumer rights. It is damaging to farm incomes if there is a drop in lamb prices. The Competition Authority examined this issue in respect of beef and a report was prepared by Professor Seamus Sheehy. No evidence of collusion was found. This is not to say most fair minded people do not believe that when people decide on the same price in the same week for the same animals, they are not talking to one another. They must be. This puts both the farmer and the consumer in vulnerable positions.

Prices are lower in France because it is a large and lucrative market with much intense competition. The consumer strategy group's report should be debated and No. 13 on the Order Paper deals with matters of competition and consumer rights. As several speakers have already intervened, I will recommend to the Leader that we begin again ab initio .

I agree with the points made about the groceries order. It is interesting that in many parts of Ireland where there has rapid development, corner shops and convenience stores have reappeared and do a good job in serving the local community. Were the groceries order removed, much of this important local service would be lost and we would return to a situation of large hypermarkets on the edges of towns. This is undesirable and I would be a supporter of the maintenance of the groceries order.

Legislation came before the House giving rights of initiation to the Competition Authority without the need for referral by the Minister, which will make the authority aware of the views and concerns of the House. Senator Glynn was quite correct when he raised the issue of itemised restaurant bills, a matter of vital interest to the consumer. One should know what one is paying in restaurants and elsewhere and this issue should be brought to the attention of the Competition Authority. We must legislate if required but the consumer has a role in insisting on an itemised bill.

Senators Ryan and Henry raised the matters of road haulage and the quality of our roads. I share Senator Ryan's views on the high failure rate in England in regard to speed and danger. When one drives to and from Dublin every day, one sees a number of trucks without matching registration plates or no registration plates at all.