Lack of competition pushing prices up claims Ahern
The Taoiseach has claimed that some retail price rises are due to a lack of competition in certain business sectors.
Bertie Ahern rejected claims that all retail prices have increased, following reports that food prices have risen by 16%.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte claimed in the Dáil that inflation was out of control, with rises in food prices, gas, electricity, bus and rail fares, toll and bin charges.
The Taoiseach rejected the claims.
The overall rate of inflation was 2.1 per cent apart from energy and interest rate rises according to Mr Ahern.
