Government Must Make Supermarket Business More Transparent
Labour’s Excessive Pricing Bill to Go First Stage in the Dáil Today
Labour’s spokesperson on finance, Deputy Ged Nash, has today called on the Government to act now on potential price gouging by giant retailers.
Deputy Nash said:
“The Government is sitting on its hands while grocery prices soar and giant retailers profiteer. It is time for the Government to stand up for consumers and to bring more transparency to the supermarket sector.
“Labour’s Excessive Pricing Bill would give the Competition and Consumer Protection agency the power to tackle any potential price gouging behaviour.
“It would mean that the watchdog would have access to information on profits and pricing structure, and enable the body to take real enforcement action on behalf of consumers where unfair prices are being charged and where the abuse of a dominant position is evident.
“The Government has a responsibility to protect consumers, and this Bill is a common-sense way to do that. I urge the Government to support this Bill.
“The cost of living crisis is hitting families hard. People are struggling to make ends meet, and they are being forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. The Government must act now to stop price gouging and to help people with the cost of living.
“The Government must stop dragging its feet on this issue. It is time to put consumers first and to give the Competition and Consumer Protection agency the teeth it needs to stand up for people.”