Government disputes claim of 10% grocery bill hike

THE Government yesterday accused Fine Gael of making misleading claims and said shoppers are facing only small rises in their grocery bills as opposed to the 10% hike claimed by the opposition.

Trade Minister Michael Ahern rounded on Fine Gael for making misleading claims on the end of the Groceries Order ban on discounted prices.

Fine Gael said its own survey showed grocery prices had risen since last year despite expectations of steep falls in food bills following the end of the order.