TÁNAISTE MARY Coughlan repeated her warning that she would consider introducing legislation to reduce prices.

She was replying to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny who asked if there would be legislation to protect the jobs of the 230,000 workforce involved in the production of Irish food.

“I indicated previously that if we did not see a reduction in prices, I would consider legislative measures,” she added.

“However, while there have been announcements on the reduction in prices, I welcome what has been said publicly that thise would not be to the detriment of Irish suppliers.’’ Ms Coughlan said that she and Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith would be keeping a very keen eye on the situation.

“I agree with the deputy that the issue of assurance to our suppliers is very important if we are to have opportunities to support the food sector,” she added.

“At the same time, it is equally opportune that we see reductions in prices.”

Earlier, Mr Kenny renewed his attack on the Government’s record when the Tánaiste took yesterday’s Order of Business.

Mr Kenny said that in normal circumstances he would wish the Tánaiste a happy anniversary in the job.

“It is just a year since the change in the senior personnel in Government,” he added.

“Deputy Coughlan is now the Tánaiste in the worst Government in the history of the State.”

Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche remarked: “The deputy has a short memory.”

Mr Kenny said that Ms Coughlan had presided over the most rapid rise in unemployment ever.

“If the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, wants to laugh about it, while the Taoiseach says we are heading towards having 500,000 people out of work . . . ” he added.

He said that if the Government thought the failure of every single Minister to do anything about employment was a laughing matter, they would get their answer on June 5th when people voted.