Derek McDowell
Question:70 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive the report from the competition authority in relation to the liquor licensing laws. [17460/97]
Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.
Arising from the new powers of self initiative in such matters given to it under the Competition (Amendment) Act 1996, the Competition Authority announced on 30 January last that it had decided to invoke such powers under section 11 of the Competition Acts to commence a study of the Irish drinks market. The terms of reference of the study set by the Competition Authority itself were: "To undertake a study and analysis of the liquor licensing laws and other barriers to entry and their impact on competition in the retail drinks market in the State".
I understand that the study is still in progress and since this is the first time these powers have been used, I would hope that the authority will finalise the report by the end of the year and bring it to the direct attention of the relevant Minister.