Fuel price gouging
Jennifer Whitmore asked whether the Taoiseach would investigate possible price gouging in fuel markets so any tax reductions would reach consumers. He agreed vigilance was needed and said the issue was under active Government attention.
The cost of fuel has risen to unbearable levels. The rate of the increases is raising many questions as to whether it is solely down to global factors or if there is a possibility that price gouging is happening at the pumps as we speak. Will the Taoiseach investigate whether there is price gouging? Otherwise, there is no guarantee that any mooted VAT or excise reductions will be passed on to consumers. It is an important issue.
Comment on this
The Deputy has raised a very fair point. There could be evidence of some price gouging going on but, clearly, there is a broader issue of an increase in fuel prices, which is receiving the Government's active attention right now. I take the Deputy's point and do not disagree with the need to be vigilant to make sure price gouging is not occurring.