Retailers hit back at National Consumer Agency

Retailers have hit back at The National Consumer Agency accusing it of trying to justify its own existence.

It follows an NCA survey today, which found no price difference in the basket of branded goods at the four main supermarkets - Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Supervalu and Superquinn.

Even though prices have fallen by 14% in 18 months, the Agency says international retailers are needed in Ireland to boost competition in the grocery sector.

However, Retail Ireland says the 14% price drop clearly shows Irish shoppers are getting value for money.

The group's director, Turloch Denihan says the National Consumer Agency's criticism of Irish supermarkets defies logic.

"We have had a 14% fall in grocery prices over the past 18 months," Mr Denihan said. "That's the largest fall in prices in the eurozone.

"How can a state agency then complain about the situation and suggest that there isn't enough compeition?

"We just think it defies logic, and it smacks of an agency struggling to justify its own existence."