The Government is expected to approve the creation of a national consumer agency aimed at securing better value for the public.
The body is likely to be set up on an interim basis pending legislation to give it a statutory basis. Its establishment is the main recommendation of a report by the Consumer Strategy Group.
The report also recommends abolition of the Groceries Order, which prohibits below-cost selling. But the Cabinet will not be asked to approve this immediately.
If the proposals are approved today, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin will publish the report next week.