The Tánaiste, Ms Mary Harney, has hit out at what she describes as Ireland's "rip-off" culture which is overcharging consumers.
Speaking at the annual Progressive Democrats conference in Galway, Ms Harney said certain areas of the economy needed to be opened up to the forces of competition.
She also pledged a root and branch reform of the insurance industry that would reduce the cost of insurance policies this year.
Yesterday, Ms Harney spoke of the Government's "tough decision" to permit the United States use of Shannon airport before and during the Iraq war.
Commenting in the face of continuing criticism of Government's position during the conflict, she drew the distinction between the State's long-standing policy of military neutrality and morality.
Ms Harney said the Iraqi crisis had focused attention on foreign policy and relations with Europe, the United States and the United Nations as never before.
