Tánaiste meets with National Consumer Agency

The Tánaiste Ms Mary Coughlan TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment met with the National Consumer Agency yesterday to discuss a range of issues including the pricing of UK goods in Ireland arising from the weakness in sterling.

The NCA outlined their work on the issue and, in particular, survey work carried out earlier this year in respect of the grocery sector. Subsequent market research had shown that 17% of shoppers had changed their shopping habits and a further 18% were thinking of doing so. The NCA confirmed to the Tánaiste that it would be updating this survey work in the near future.

The NCA will meet with Retail Ireland in the near future to discuss the delays in passing on the benefits accruing from the appreciation of the euro.

Overall it was important that consumers considered their options when it came to their weekly shopping basket.

ENDS/ETE1906

22 May 2008