Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Coillte Teoranta Investments.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

107 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made by the Competition Authority on the proposed investment by Coillte Teoranta in Balcas Limited, Enniskillen. [2558/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

On 5 January 1998 I received a notification of a proposal under the Mergers and Take-overs (Control) Acts, 1978 to 1996, whereby Coillte Teoranta intend to acquire a majority of the issued share capital of Balcas Limited, a sawmilling company incorporated in Northern Ireland.

Under the mergers Acts I can refer any merger proposal notified to me to the Competition Authority for investigation and report. On 27 January I asked the authoritiy to investigate the proposed acquisition of Balcas by Coillte and requested that it report back to me by 6 March 1998.

The purpose of referring the proposal to the authority is to establish whether, in its opinion, the proposed merger would be likely to prevent or restrict competition, or restrain trade in any goods or services, and would be likely to operate against the common good. In assessing the likely effect of the proposal on the common good the authority can have regard to such issues as continuity of supplies and services, level of employment, access to markets, employees, consumers, etc.

It is not appropriate for me to comment on the specific details of any case which is under investigation by the independent Competition Authority. I will make my decision in the matter when I have received the authority's report.