Liz O'Donnell
Question:28 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to tackle below-cost selling of British newspapers on the Irish market. [2911/97]
Written Answers. - Newspaper Industry.
One of the recommendations of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry called for legislation to prohibit below cost selling of newspapers.
On 26 November 1996 I reported to Government in regard to my role in co-ordinating the work of the various Departments on the newspaper commission's recommendations and the Government approved my intention to revert to them concerning my own area of responsibility, covering below cost selling, merger control, regulation of ownership and concentration of media ownership. I am at present considering legislative proposals on these matters. I am concerned that such legislation would be robust and safe from legal challenge while also proving effective and workable.
The Deputy should also note that, as Ireland is a member of the EU, any legislation in this area must operate within EU law, both Treaty law and EU court decisions. Consequently, any new law in this area must apply to all EU newspapers on the Irish market. It cannot, and should not, discriminate against any newspaper based upon a specific "nationality" criteria. To this end I am taking advice on the complex law and economic issues involved.
As I have already indicated to the House in December 1996, it is also my intention to consult with and have the views of all relevant interests, including the EU Commission to ensure compatibility with our Treaty obligations before I report to Government in the matter.
I am arranging a meeting between myself and the newspaper industry to have discussions with them about the issue of below cost selling and other issues in the report of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry. I should, of course, say that I and my Department have had ongoing contacts with newspaper interests since last November on the question specifically of below cost selling. My forthcoming meeting will provide a useful forum for considering progress on the range of issues that fall within the remit of the State and, of course, the industry itself.