Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

On the Civil Partnership Bill 2004, it appears that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, said the Bill would be delayed when he launched the "Pride 08" festival in Dublin last night. It seems the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is unable to confirm if the draft legislation will be available before the summer recess. There was a very good debate in the House on this issue and the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan promised that the heads of the Bill would be published before 31 March. What is happening with this legislation, why has it reached an impasse and will it be brought before the Dáil and Seanad before the summer recess as promised? This is important legislation as there is significant inequality here. It is important if a Minister gives a promise that the public see that he keeps it. The commitment was clear and I remember the Leader saying this too. I ask the Leader to clarify what is happening with this legislation, which has been promised for a long time. I hope it will not be delayed again.

I raise the issues of increasing costs for the consumer, consumer protection and what the Government is doing to protect consumers. Last week the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy John McGuinness, agreed on the Adjournment that consumers are being ripped off. He said that prices here for a wide range of goods have been higher than those in the United Kingdom and that, even after adjustments to take account of different rates of VAT, a basket of internationally branded goods cost 22% more here than in the eurozone. He then went on to say that Ireland is not a low-cost economy but there are justifiable grounds for scepticism about the claim that higher prices here are attributable solely to higher costs. The Minister of State agrees that consumers are being ripped off and that there is no logic to this. I would like to know the outcome of the meeting between the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the organisation concerned with this matter, the National Consumer Agency, following the request from the Taoiseach last week. What actions do the Government propose to examine the price rip-off affecting consumers here? The "Today with Pat Kenny" radio programme this morning carried out a survey of prices comparing a typical basket of food. The price of the average shopping basket has increased by approximately 20% since the end of last year. People are feeling this in their pockets. I wish to hear about the Government's role and its view of its role. It is one thing to tell consumers to shop around, which has been the response so far. That is fair enough but the responsibility does not rest only with consumers. What actions can be taken by Government? Has it talked to the retailers? What is the National Consumer Agency doing to tackle this issue?

Regarding the comments of the Taoiseach on the referendum campaign, I remind him of the work Fine Gael did in campaigning for a "Yes" vote since February.