Neither the Tánaiste nor I have asked the Competition Authority to carry out investigations into the beef industry. I understand, however, that in 1997, prior to this Govern ment taking office, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry requested the Director of Competition Enforcement to conduct an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices in the beef processing industry. I understand this was one of a number of complaints relating to the meat plants received by the director which are currently under investigation by him. The director and the Competition Authority, of which he is a member, are independent in the exercise of their statutory functions.
Quite separately from this investigation by the authority, the Government decided at its meeting on 19 January to establish an independent group to examine the continuing allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef industry and the alleged failure of consumer prices to reflect reductions in producer prices.
The terms of reference of the independent group are to examine allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef industry, to establish why there is such a large differential between the producer price and the prevailing consumer price, and to make appropriate recommendations in the matter.
The group has already begun its work. It is chaired by Mr. Kevin Bonner, former Secretary General of my Department, and includes Professor Seamus Sheehy and Mr. Colm McCarthy. The group has been asked to report to the Department by 28 April 2000.