Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The groceries order was, as we know, abolished to much fanfare, and commitments and promises were given that it would save consumers something like €1,000 a year. Despite all the commitments and promises, the cost of a basket of staple goods in Tesco, Dunnes and Superquinn has increased in all cases. It has not led to an era of lower prices. As we know, prices are gradually going up — I refer to the survey in last Sunday's edition of The Sunday Times. This included everyday items for every household, such as butter, eggs and tea. Was the abolition of the order a con job? It would be worthwhile if the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, could attend for a debate on the matter because the commitments given have certainly not been lived up to.