Restaurateurs slam Bruton's comments

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has slammed comments made by Richard Bruton, in which he stated their sector was a proponent of "rip-off" culture.

RAI chief executive Henry O'Neill said: "It is shocking when a distinguished politician with expertise and knowledge of the commercial world shows little insight into the difficulties the Irish restaurant sector is enduring at this time.

"There's a common, but grossly inaccurate, perception that increases in the cost of eating out translates into increased profit for the restaurant owner - that's not the case."

According to RAI statistics, the level of profit generated by the average restaurateur has declined from 5% in 1997, to 3% today.

The statement comes on the day the Consumers Association has called for the Government to impose the Maximum Prices Order on establishments that overcharge.