Peadar Clohessy
Question:47 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on the Forfás report that there is currently no pro-active enforcement of the Competition Act, 1991. [13653/96]
Written Answers. - Competition Act, 1991.
The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 1994 is currently with the Seanad where Committee Stage is scheduled for 27 June. The Bill provides for the introduction of public enforcement of competition rules, by giving the Competition Authority the power to investigate anti-competitive activity, either on its own initiative or as a result of third party complaints, including the power to take court actions. The Bill also provides for the appointment of an Authority member, to be known as the Director of Competition Enforcement, who will have principal day-to-day responsibility for enforcement. In addition, the Bill introduces criminal offences for breaches of competition law and provides that the courts may impose stiff penalties on those found guilty of such offences.
I believe the introduction of independent public enforcement of competition rules in the pro-active manner provided for in the Competition (Amendment) Bill, together with the threat of stiff fines and imprisonment for serious breach of the law, will make the enforcement of competition law much more effective than has been the case to date. I expect to have the Bill enacted soon.