Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator O'Toole in calling for a debate on the issue of the Great Blasket Island. There was a debate in this House on this issue before many of the current Members were here, when Mr. Haughey was Taoiseach. It was a worthwhile debate but much has happened since then. We do not wish the matter to descend into a mess.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, yesterday announced the abolition of the groceries order with great fanfare. He did not reveal proposals to amend the Competition Act 2002. SenatorNorris's comments on the matter were correct, and the vagueness of the Minister's proposals is a cause for concern. While he indicated that he would strengthen the Competition Act 2002 to outlaw "hello money", resale price maintenance and the imposition of unfair discrimination, he has not indicated if he will strengthen the Act to outlaw predatory pricing. The legislation will not be of much use without this measure.

It is often said that the devil is in the detail. In this case the devil is in the absence of the detail.