Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken or proposes to take to counter rip-off price increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18218/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The responsibility of Government for the prices of goods and services generally is, in the main, limited to ensuring that markets are working properly for the benefit of consumers and of the economy as a whole. Many people share concerns over the price of goods and services and I would like to emphasise that the Government is acutely aware of the difficulties which price increases pose for the average consumer. However, progress has been made in bringing inflation below the Government target of 2%, with the consumer price index for May showing inflation at 1.7%.

The National Competitiveness Council and the Competition Authority undertake on a continuous basis, investigations into the competitiveness of the Irish economy and the level of competition within it. These investigations highlight the key areas that require attention to enhance Ireland's competitiveness and economic performance. The Competition Authority is involved in investigative work in the insurance, banking and professional services sectors. In regard to professional services, comprehensive studies are being undertaken of eight individual professions, namely medical practitioners, veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, barristers, solicitors, engineers and architects.

I have also set up the new consumer strategy group, whose main role is to advise and make recommendations for the development of a national consumer policy strategy. In the performance of this role the group is entitled to initiate studies which demonstrate objectively whether Irish consumers are getting a fair deal. The group has announced its public consultation on consumer issues and invited individual consumers, representative organisations, businesses and any other interested parties to contact them with views and submissions by 9 July 2004. The group is due to produce a final report to me by the end of 2004.

The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs is undertaking price surveys and bringing the results to the public's attention. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has published the results of price surveys of products ranging from products such as compact discs to petrol, car insurance to drinks prices over a rugby international match weekend, and potatoes to over-the-counter medicines. The consumer is also assisted in making purchasing choices through the four price display orders made under the Prices Acts and by the European Communities (Requirement to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 which oblige retailers to display prices and where appropriate the unit price for products. Consumers have their part to play in acting on this type of information and seeking out the most competitive prices available.