Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator O'Reilly in his call for a debate on inflation. As he correctly pointed out, a significant disparity exists between the sterling and euro prices quoted in shops. Clearly, huge currency profits are being made, which should not be the case. I wonder whether these shops would accept sterling if people put them to the test. In the 1970s and 1980s, we had bodies which controlled prices during a period of economic stagnation and comparatively modest incomes. If competition is no longer effective at achieving the prices we should be getting, perhaps those arrangements should be revisited.

Yesterday, I listened to a programme on which a number of people complained about the difficulties they are experiencing with marriage registrars. In Dublin especially, it apparently takes up to three months to get an appointment. That seems to be an unnecessary bureaucratic burden on people who have decided to get married. In some instances, people had already booked hotels and were concerned they would be at a financial loss. This issue should be investigated with a view either to increasing the number of marriage counsellors, if there is a shortage, or returning to the previous practice whereby couples made the necessary arrangements with their local priests. This is an example of the State getting involved in an area but not delivering on its commitment.