The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has said the new National Consumer Agency will not be in the business of regulating prices or interfering in the marketplace.
Micheál Martin was speaking as Diageo signalled its intent to add 10 cent to the price of a pint.
Mr Martin said that many people had complained in recent times about an alleged decline in consumption of alcohol in some outlets.
He said he believed that had a lot to do with price, and that the market was giving a very clear message that it had had enough of alcohol price increases.
The minister said that, as a result, cheaper imports were winning increased market share on the price issue.
However, he warned that he would not interfere in the marketplace, and that it would be up to the market to determine the acceptability of price increases.
