Vol. 458 No. 5
22 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he intends to take legal action against Independent Newspapers in view of its participation in the deal with Ingersoll Irish Publications; if he intends to take legal action against Independent Newspapers in view of its support for the plans to relaunch the Sunday Press; and the contacts, if any, that are being maintained with groups interested in relaunching the Irish Press Group. [17333/95]
I understand from newspaper reports that Independent Newspapers has contributed to assisting Irish Press plc settle its legal claim with Ingersoll Irish Publications. I also understand from newspaper reports that Independent Newspapers intends offering financial assistance in the relaunch of the Sunday Press. On both of these counts I am extremely concerned and I am taking these reports very seriously. The newspaper reports to which I am referring appeared in mid-November. On 14 November direct questions were put in writing to Independent Newspapers in regard to these matters with a request for a reply within seven days. I await, with interest a reply from Independent Newspapers.
In regard to groups who were interested in relaunching the Press titles, I have had contacts with them since my reply to the Deputy on 10 October 1995. Ownership of the Irish Press titles rests with Irish Press Publications, of which Independent Newspapers owns 24.9 per cent.
As I stated in the House before, the Competition Authority Report submitted to me states that the agreement involving the acquisition by Independent Newspapers plc of a shareholding in Irish Press and the provision of loans to Irish Press is anti-competitive and an abuse of a dominant position. I have stated before that I accept the findings of the Competition Authority.
The Minister, in reply to an oral parliamentary question, told me he had written an earlier letter to Independent Newspapers. Did he receive a reply to it? What action does he propose to take apart from writing letters?
I did not get a reply to the earlier letter and that is why I indicated I required a reply to the latest letter within seven days. I will have to assess what Independent Newspapers says about the action it has taken to date and what action it proposes in relation to the Irish Press titles before I make a decision. My central concern is that any action taken by Independent Newspapers would comply with the Competition Act.
I accept that. Has the Minister asked why there was no reply to his earlier letter? Is it not ridiculous that a Minister in charge of the Department with responsibility for the Competition Authority does not receive a reply from a group to which he writes seeking information? Does that not flout the Minister's authority?
The Minister says he will take action when he receives the reply but what exactly does he intend to do?
I would not in advance of seeking detailed information about what has occurred indicate what I intend to do. I cannot act on hearsay or newspaper reports. I want to see Independent Newspapers openly state what it has done and what it intends to do. On the basis of its statement, I will judge whether it is conforming with the Competition Act. That is my responsibility. It indicated in the past that it intends to reply to this letter. I expect it will do so and I will be in a position then to decide what I will do.
