Vol. 524 No. 1
42 Mr. Dukes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to amend section 4 of the Competition Act, 1991, in view of the report of the review group on the beef industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21648/00]
46 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the report of the group established to investigate allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef industry. [21559/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 46 together.
The report of the independent group to examine allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef industry was considered by the Government on 20 September 2000.
The group reported that it found no evidence of anti-competitive behaviour either in the pattern of cattle prices or in profits. It also concluded that price gaps between the producer and consumer are fully explained by the combined movement in farm-gate prices and post farm-gate costs and that there is no scope for alleged manipulation of prices by wholesalers and retailers.
The group recommended that the status of collective negotiations, as sought by the farming organisations in the dispute that led to the inquiry, be clarified in the context of section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991, and Article 81(1) of the Treaty of Rome.
Arising from this recommendation, I am seeking legal advice on the matter.
In relation to the other recommendations of the group, my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, intends bringing proposals shortly to Government.
