Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grocery Industry.

Nora Owen

Question:

67 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the recent report by the competition and merger review group which recommended the abolition of the Groceries Order, 1987; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this order has had a very significant effect on the health of the grocery industry. [3469/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. (Ms Harney)

I am aware that Competition and Mergers Review Group has published a discussion document on the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) 1987 calling for submissions from interested parties on its draft proposals.

When they have fully considered these responses, the group will draw up their report and recommendations to me on this and the other areas covered by their terms of reference.

As I have not yet received the group's final report I think it would be premature to comment on this issue.