The Dáil today heard calls for a parliamentary debate on allegations that Tesco and Dunnes are “robbing” Irish shoppers.
Fine Gael TD Michael Ring said the issue was being discussed on national television but there was no discussion scheduled for the Dáil which was supposed to represent the people.
The Government wrote to British retailers last month to demand that savings accruing from the favourable euro/sterling exchange rate be passed to Irish customers.
Mr Ring said: “This issue has been discussed on TV3 and RTÉ and I want to know can we have a debate in the Dáil. It’s in relation to Tesco and Dunnes robbing the people of Ireland.” He added: “It used to be ‘rip-off Ireland’ and now it’s ‘rip off the Irish’ ”.
However Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue ruled the TD out of order and stopped him raising the issue during the Order of Business.
But Mr Ring persisted: “It is important to have a debate. The people of this country are being ripped off. I want to know are we going to have a debate. It’s been on TV3 and RTE. We’re supposed to represent the people in here, you know.”
The Government discussed the issue at length at a recent Cabinet meeting after Labour leader Eamon Gilmore accused retailers like Tesco, Dunnes and Marks & Spencers of “profiteering” from Irish shoppers.
Mr Gilmore said the Government should introduce legislation or tighter regulation if necessary.
The National Consumer Agency recently told an Oireachtas committee that consumers must shop around and spread their household spending among other discount stores like Aldi and Lidl.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan also held talks on the issue with retail and consumer representatives.