Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the initiative she has taken to ensure that price reductions are passed on to the Irish motorists; the latest survey that she has carried out on this issue; and the initiatives taken by the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority in the past six months on this issue. [38577/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In September I requested the National Consumer Agency to undertake a survey into why pump prices for petrol and diesel have not fallen in line with the drop in the wholesale price of oil.

Whilst pump prices have decreased since September, notwithstanding the appreciation in value of the dollar against the euro during that period, I consider it important that there should be greater transparency between the manner in which the retail price for fuel paid by consumers follows changes in the wholesale price. I am advised by the Agency that work in relation to this matter is well underway. I understand that as part of its work, the Agency will seek to benchmark movements in prices in Ireland against those in other EU countries and that it will also seek to examine the frequency and the timeliness in which changes in the wholesale price are being passed on to consumers. I expect to receive the Agency's report into this matter next month.