Vol. 511 No. 6
144 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether consumers are receiving the full benefit of the extra activity generated by overseas controlled supermarkets operating here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25451/99]
I welcome the opportunity afforded to consumers to benefit from greater competition and choice arising from the establishment of additional retail outlets. Competition is good for consumers; and I am confident the Director of Consumer Affairs will ensure that the safeguards laid down in legislation, such as the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987, are adhered to by retailers.
145 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of overseas controlled supermarkets in operation; their estimated market share; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25452/99]
Based on information available to Enterprise Ireland, which operates a supplier development programme with particular emphasis on enhancing supplies by Irish suppliers to this sector, there are only four or five, depending on the definition used, overseas controlled supermarkets operating in Ireland. It is estimated that the combined market share held by these supermarkets is 22 per cent-23 per cent.
146 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all overseas chain stores operating here give equal opportunity to Irish suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25453/99]
The European single market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the EU. This is a right which many Irish firms are exploiting very successfully, both in terms of establishing businesses in other member states and in supplying the single market. Once the relevant provisions of EU competition law are respected and single market rules adhered to, it is open to all companies to source their products anywhere within the EU. I have no reason to believe that Irish suppliers are at a disadvantage relative to other suppliers.
I am anxious to ensure that Irish suppliers can avail of the opportunities which the increasing number of overseas firms in the Irish retail market provide. To this end, Enterprise Ireland administers a supplier development programme which determines, at an individual company level, the appropriate changes required to assist Irish suppliers to respond to the challenges arising from the structural change under way in the market and to take advantage of the new opportunities arising.
