Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

Uniquely, consumers believe the price they pay is too high as do suppliers who cannot pass on the bulk discounts. This issue of bulk discounts should be examined, given that competition has resulted in lower prices in many sectors of the economy.

The great detractors in the debate believe small stores will close if the order is abolished. I live in an expanding area in west Dublin, which used to be served by one small shop ten or 15 years ago. However, the community has sprawled and Spar, Centra and so on have opened stores while shops in the town centre remain open. The smaller stores are open until 10 p.m. but when people enter them, they do not know the prices of various products and many of them do not care because they are paying for convenience. They can shop around but they decide to shop locally because it is convenient, the shops have car parking and they are open late. They do not go to the town centre because of the traffic. For that reason, as the former Minister said, it is about shopping around. I do not have the same fears for small shops as heretofore. At the end of the day the consumer will decide. I ask the Minister to consider my halfway house proposal of retaining the order while ensuring discounts are passed on to the consumer.

I thank the Minister for introducing the work permits Bill 2005 earlier.