The Government has endorsed the view of the Moriarty Task Force on Culliton that greater competition should continue to be promoted in all markets for goods and services in Ireland. The Competition Act, 1991, is the primary instrument for the implementation of this policy.
We are also aware that there are many areas of economic activity where competition is prevented or hindered through regulatory measures or administrative restrictions. Our aim is to examine all areas, including existing legislation, which act directly or indirectly to limit or restrict competition, while at the same time respecting the public interest criteria which may have given rise to the regulations in the first place, if these criteria are still relevant.
Regulation is so far as it is necessary must be proportionate in its intent and the regulatory environment must not prevent effective competition. Many regulations, including licensing arrangements, need to be re-evaluated in the context of a changing economic environment. Regulations formulated decades ago and in different market conditions may not be the most suitable for today.
Our examination will include the private and public sectors. It will cover the professions, including those previously studied by the former Fair Trade Commission.