Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 1

Written Answers. - Competition Authority.

Willie Penrose

Question:

36 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent call made by the chairman of the Competition Authority (details supplied) for a leniency programme to provide an amnesty from prosecution to companies that self-report and co-operate with an investigation in order to help the authority identify and prosecute cartels; her views in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21574/00]

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

I am aware of the recent statement by the chairman of the Competition Authority where he said that leniency programmes in other countries give amnesty from prosecution to companies that self-report and co-operate with an investigation. He also indicated that putting such a programme in place in Ireland could enable the Competition Authority to identify cartels that would not otherwise come to light.

The chairman made the statement in the context of announcing details of a conference to be held on Friday, 17 November entitled "Boosting the Fight Against Criminal Cartels: Transplanting Leniency to Ireland". I look forward to the outcome of the conference and I will actively consider any suggestions put forward to me which may contribute to making competition law more effective.