Ministers set to abolish ban on below-cost selling
The Cabinet is today expected to approve plans by Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin to abolish the Groceries Order banning below cost selling in Ireland.
In recent months, Mr Martin has been under intense pressure from consumer groups, the Competition Authority and large retailers to abolish the measure.
It was introduced in 1987 to protect small shops from being put out of business by large supermarkets.
The Competition Authority has claimed that the order adds €500-a-year to the average household's shopping bill.
However, opinion is divided on whether its abolition will lead to any savings.
Opponents say the move will allow supermarkets to pass on discounts to their customers, but small retailers and many politicians believe it will simply allow chain stores to eliminate their smaller competitors and then charge whatever they want.
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