Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals to control the price of soft drinks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23451/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Price control is a failed policy which, when it was most active in the 1980s, resulted in the maximum prices for products being in effect the minimum price. I believe that increased competition and consumer vigilance are the best ways to ensure that markets deliver value for money to consumers.

There is legislation in place designed to help consumers to make a conscious decision before they enter a licensed premises. The Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order 1991 requires that the price of alcoholic and soft drinks must be displayed just outside or immediately inside each entrance to a licensed premises.