asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the many serious complaints made against the price structure employed by Irish Steel Holdings for purchasing steel scrap, he will consider referring this matter to the Fair Trade Commission; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Steel Scrap Purchases.
33.
I am aware of only one complaint against the price structure of Irish Steel Holdings for iron and steel scrap. That complaint originated from an interested group who, as stated in this House in reply to a number of questions last December, were told that any evidence of unfair trading in iron and steel scrap should be brought to the attention of the Fair Trade Commission for investigation. I am informed, however, that there has been no request to the commission for an investigation of this matter.
In view of the number of complaints that have been made about the method employed by Irish Steel Holdings in purchasing scrap steel, would the Minister not think that he should take the initiative to seek a public inquiry through the Fair Trade Commission into what appears to be a questionable practice?
The Deputy does not appear to have heard the first part of my reply. I stated I was aware of only one complaint but the Deputy refers to a number of complaints. Therefore, I do not think there is any need for me to take the initiative suggested by the Deputy.
Would the Minister accept that the complaint made includes elements which are not, or may not be within the jurisdiction of the Fair Trade Commission and, therefore, that the proposal that it be referred to the commission does not provide a remedy? As an alternative, would the Minister not consider holding a public inquiry?
I suggest we wait until it is established that it does not come within the terms of reference of the Fair Trade Commission. As I have said, a request has not been made to the commission for an investigation.
Is the Minister of the opinion that the complaints could be dealt with by the Fair Trade Commission and are within their jurisdiction?
There is a difference between one complaint made on several occasions and a number of complaints.
I am concerned about the complaint before the Minister. Does the Minister hold that that complaint and all its elements are within the jurisdiction of the Fair Trade Commission and could be dealt with by the commission?
That is my impression.
Is the Minister aware that the firm concerned have said that the Fair Trade Commission cannot carry out an investigation?
I would repeat that there has not been any request to the Fair Trade Commission for an investigation and I think that would be the place to find out whether their terms of reference cover this matter.
In the event of the Fair Trade Commission not investigating the matter, would the Minister be prepared to look into the matter?
Sin cheist eile. I would have to look into the matter then.