Kitt Announces Measures to Protect Consumers

Mr. Tom Kitt TD, Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs today (Tuesday 27th June 2000) announced a number of initiatives which he is taking as part of the package of measures adopted by the Government to counter inflationary pressures in the economy.

"I am particularly concerned about reports of unwarranted price increases being imposed by unscrupulous retailers in some sectors. The Government will do all in its power to combat such practices he said but Government action alone is not enough. We need retailers to behave in a responsible fashion and consumers to be vigilant".

In order to assist consumers in this regard the Director of Consumer Affairs has agreed to undertake an awareness-raising programme which will entail the collection and dissemination of information on prices and price variations in a range of sectors.

Priority will be given to sectors, such as petrol retailing, about which particular concern has been expressed. Efforts will be made to involve non-governmental organisations, both local and national, in price watching activities and in the dissemination of the study results and it is intended to invite the social partners to assist in monitoring the programme.