Sean Barrett (Independent)

I thank the Minister for his sentiments. Dr. Fingleton estimated that restrictive practices were costing every household €2,500 per annum. The international ranking of Ireland for competition policy is 25th, which is way below OECD countries. I hope the Minister's reforms will reduce that €2,500 cost and move Ireland up the rankings. I wish him well in that regard. We have sought to provide assistance and to stress the importance of competition policy. The vested interests have had an undue say in policy. They are the producers rather than the consumers and the sheltered sector rather than the unsheltered sector. That is not the way forward for our economy and we wish the Minister well in his reform programme. I thank the Minister and the Senators who spoke on the Bill.