Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

It is sometimes presented in this House as if it is an unqualified good. I do not wish to see the break-up of VHI, which has served the Irish well for a long time, any more than I wish to see the break-up of the ESB. Somewhat perversely, competition has led to increased electricity prices rather than reductions.

If one has any doubts on the unlimited virtues of competition, there was news this morning about how goods bought on the streets are manufactured by people working 96-hour weeks at 7 cents an hour. We should have a more reasoned and humane approach to the competition issue, and we should also realise that public service and policy properly carried out are just as important and valuable as competition.