Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the retail price of petrol at the pump compares with that charged in other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10118/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not analyse retail petrol prices in Ireland compared with the prices charged in other EU member states. However, this information is available from several organisations. The Automobile Association website, www.aaroadwatch.ie contains information for petrol prices in 18 EU member states. The most recent information available on this website is for February 2005 and based on the figures supplied Ireland's petrol prices are almost 10 cent lower than the average price for the 18 listed member states.

Under the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997, sellers of petrol and diesel are legally obliged to display their selling prices. This Order provides the consumer with price information to enable him or her to benefit from price differences between different petrol stations. The Order is enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

If prices for petrol are affected by agreements between petrol companies or retailers or by an abuse of a dominant position the Competition Authority is there to enforce competition law. Any suspected infringements of competition law should be brought to its attention.