Text of a Letter Issued to the Irish Independent this Afternoon

The Editor

The Irish Independent

Middle Abbey Street

Dublin 1.

11 July, 2003.

Dear Sir,

Yesterday's edition of the Irish Independent wrongly reported that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, had, in the course of a media interview, advised consumers that rising prices "were all their own fault". I was present during the course of the interview in question and wish to confirm that, in fact, the Tánaiste never made any such comment. Nor indeed does she believe such to be the case.

The point made by the Tánaiste to the journalists present was that increased competition in all sectors of the economy has a critical role to play in keeping prices down. She pointed out that consumers have a role to play in ensuring effective competition by shopping around and seeking the best value for the products or services which they require. In order to assist consumers in making informed choices, the law requires that all retailers, pubs and restaurants, and indeed other establishments such as hairdressers, are required to display their prices. She urged consumers to complain to the establishment in question and to the Director of Consumer Affairs in cases where prices were not displayed as required by law. The Tánaiste accepted that there is also an important role for the Government in promoting competition in the economy and in promoting policies which help maintain competitiveness and she dealt extensively with these issues in the course of the interview. What she had to say in that regard was not reported by your newspaper.

By wrongly reporting the Tánaistes comments, and indeed by attributing to her, comments which she never made, your newspapers has distorted and undermined what is a very important message. It would be helpful if that message was correctly reported in the future.

Yours sincerely,

GERRY DONNELLY,

PRESS OFFICER.

ENDS