Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Groceries Order.

Enda Kenny

Question:

87 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she will make a decision on the Groceries Order and the ban on below cost selling in particular, following on the consultants report she received some time ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18225/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I published the report of the Competition and Mergers Review Group on 4 May 2000. The group, which was chaired by Mr. Michael Collins SC, has made some 40 recommendations on a variety of aspects of competition and mergers legislation, including one on the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987.

In the report, a majority of the review group recommended that the groceries order be repealed.

I am considering the report and I am also aware of the strong views on each side of the argument held by various groups, commercial and other on this matter. In my deliberations, I will be considering among other matters, whether there is sufficient competition in the market and what measures would prevent any one player, or group of players acting in concert, achieving a dominant position that would leave consumers or suppliers open to exploitation. I intend to consult all interested parties and when I have heard their views I will make my decision.

In the interim, the order remains in force.