Vol. 479 No. 2
283 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the current situation in relation to the special study undertaken by his Department into the effects of lowering magazine and CD prices, which study was announced some time ago by Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12601/97]
The investigation referred to by the Deputy was undertaken by the Consultancy Unit in my Department and related only to magazines.
The investigation which was commissioned by the Minister of State with responsibility for Commerce, Science and Technology last October had the following terms of reference:
To investigate the cost structure, both wholesale and retail, and operating margins of Irish and imported magazines; this investigation was also to comprehend the distribution arrangements for such magazines, the extent to which they are connected with those for newspapers and the practice by the importers/distributors of imposing delivery charges on retailers.
The report of the investigation was received recently by the Minister of State. Because of the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the investigation, its findings and conclusions shall now require careful and detailed consideration.
