Supermarkets will be given six weeks to bring prices down

Amid the continuing cost-of-living crisis, Ireland's big retailers will be asked to show proof of the efforts they are making to bring down checkout prices. Stock picture

Supermarkets are to be given a six-week ultimatum to bring down the cost of a basket of groceries.

Minister of state Neale Richmond has called an emergency meeting of the retail forum for Wednesday afternoon amid soaring food and grocery costs, which are putting extra strain on families already hit by increases in energy bills.