The Consumers Association has expressed concern about declining competition in the Irish fuel retail market.

The price of food and drink is set rise due to spiralling business costs, it was warned today.

The rising cost of the traditional Irish wedding will mean that 20% of Irish weddings in 2007 will be held abroad, a specialist travel agent claimed today.

It set to be an expensive New Year for consumers as numerous new price increases are introduced.

Representatives of the food and drink industry have defended the prices charged for their products following criticism from the Government's Consumer Strategy Group.

The Consumers' Association has called on the Government to take decisive action to end the rip-off of Irish consumers by greedy retailers.

The employers' body IBEC has called on the Government to reform regulations governing the food and drink sector in Ireland.

The Government's Consumer Strategy Group has reportedly concluded that the high prices charged for a range of goods and services in Ireland are unjustified.