Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2016
161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent EU Commission decision to allow the merger of two Irish companies (details supplied) in view of the fact the new company will have a supply rate above the 15% threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30172/16]
View answerI am very much aware of the importance of competition in the beef and lamb sector. The relatively weak position of farmers in the supply chain is widely recognised and it is for this reason that I have proposed an amendment to the Rural Development Programme that includes support for the establishment of producer groups to improve farmers’ bargaining power in the beef sector.
It is also critically important to have a robust legal basis for the evaluation of proposals for mergers and acquisitions at corporate level. In this regard I noted the outcome of the European Commission's decision last week on this particular case. I also noted that the proposal has been analysed in accordance with the established procedure under competition law rules.
My Department wrote to the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority in relation to this matter some time ago and responded to a questionnaire from DG Competition.
Of course if evidence emergences of practices by this or any other entity, which are contrary to competition rules, the possibility of the matter being taken up with the relevant Competition Authorities remains open.
The CCPC is an independent statutory body and enquiries in relation to its views on this decision should be referred to it.
On the more general question of markets for Irish beef, my department is working with relevant state agencies, Ireland’s embassy network and authorities in third countries to broaden the range of market opportunities for Irish exporters of beef and livestock. The recent opening of the Turkish market for Irish cattle is a welcome development in this regard.
