Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is considering introducing price caps to set maximum prices for basic foodstuffs and energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has taken action to address fiscal issues, including the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum in June 2025, and the accelerated publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September 2025.
In relation to food costs, in the 2023 analysis report on grocery retail sector, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) noted that some countries have implemented price caps in the grocery sector. However, based on the experience of those countries the CCPC questioned the effectiveness of price caps in achieving the desired benefits for the consumer and noted that some countries had begun the process of unwinding price caps. In an Irish context the CCPC expressed a concern that the imposition of price caps could negatively impact competition and present a risk to both the Irish economy and consumer.
In August 2025 the CCPC published an update to the 2023 report. This analysis confirms that, while food prices have increased in recent years in Ireland, they have generally remained below the European average. Through its enforcement actions and public guidance, the CCPC aims to ensure that businesses compete fairly, consumers are treated honestly, and the market remains open and dynamic. The CCPC continues to promote and monitor compliance across all sectors, including food retail, and where appropriate, investigates suspected breaches and takes enforcement action when sufficient evidence is found.
The Programme for Government commits to strengthening consumer protection legislation, enhancing the powers of the CCPC and promoting price transparency through enhancing the powers of the Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), including promoting price transparency for consumers. In this regard, my Department is developing a Miscellaneous Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill. The legislative proposal aims to enhance consumer rights, promote fair competition and provide stronger enforcement tools to protect consumers and businesses alike.
A core part of this legislative project is the empowerment of the CCPC to impose proportionate fines for serious breaches of consumer law and reducing reliance on lengthy court processes. This is specifically called out under Action 57 of Theme 4 of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The Programme for Government commits to advancing policies which will address high energy costs for households and businesses. The Action Plan on Competitiveness includes a range of measures to address energy costs and informs the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT). My officials are engaged with that Taskforce to ensure that our economic competitiveness is central to energy policy decisions, and I am engaging with Minister O’Brien to explore what further levers we have to mitigate electricity costs in particular.
I intend to rigorously monitor the implementation of all actions in the Action Plan.
