Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I wish to refer briefly to the content of the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night on RTE, which shone a light on the price fixing cartel that exists among some car dealers in this country. That programme highlighted an abuse, a restrictive practice and a criminal situation where Irish car owners now have to pay, on average, more than 30% more than their UK counterparts. This is a very serious issue. That alleged reputable dealers are involved in fixing prices for car owners here is a scandal. The Government must ensure that prosecutions, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, are taken against this practice if it is a criminal offence. Additional strengths and supports must be given to the Competition Authority to ensure prosecutions occur. Irish motorists are already being ripped off in terms of the high VRT they pay in comparison to other EU citizens on average but now we find that some major dealers in this country are fixing prices in the most extraordinary manner. It is a cartel that smacks of the type of corruption we have seen in other sectors of industry. I ask that the Government take a strong view of this matter, that a firm statement is made by the appropriate Minister and action is taken.