Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise the issue of cartels. We have just heard that a whistleblower has approached the Competition Authority about the cement industry. According to that person, a massive cartel has been operating in a region for many years. Its aim has been to increase the price of cement and restrict competition in the area. The authority is investigating. When completed, will the Minister alert local authorities, the National Roads Authority and other public bodies that have used the companies involved so that they might reclaim what they are owed from overpricing? This should accrue income for those affected.

It should be possible to estimate how much it costs to produce cement from the rock to the road, but it has not been done. In future, the ESRI or another body that is qualified to conduct an analysis should make such estimates in respect of every product so that those who are sourcing commodities, be they local authorities, the NRA or so on, can have an idea of the average price of cement. They should not need to rely on the word of people in the business. A scientific analysis should be possible. I ask the Minister to provide for this and to alert local authorities and others under his Department to ensure they claw back money from the cement companies that have been abusing the situation.

I thank the whistleblower, although I am disappointed that he was part of the cartel and waited until he went into receivership to blow the whistle. I hope his actions will teach others a lesson.