Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to respond to the National Consumer Agency recommendation to change the law governing the size of supermarkets in order to encourage new entrants and in turn promote competition leading to lower prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35326/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department is currently reviewing the Retail Planning Guidelines which were originally published in 2001 and updated in 2005. An Issues Paper was published in June 2010 to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to assist in identifying key issues to be considered in the context of preparing and drafting revised guidelines. Almost 200 submissions were received by the closing date of 30 July. The issue of retail floorspace caps was identified in the Issues Paper, along with broader competition issues. All submissions will be carefully considered with a view to draft revised guidelines being published for public consultation by the end of the year. This will afford all interested parties a further opportunity to input into the process before the guidelines are finalised.