Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Written Answers. - Newspaper Sales.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

62 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has satisfied himself that the manner in which national daily newspapers are only sold through certain retail outlets is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I take it that the question arises from agreements notified to the Competition Authority by certain national newspapers seeking a licence or certificate under the Competition Act, 1991. The agreements notified relate to distribution and supply of newspapers to newsagents. The reference numbers are CA/112/92E, CA/113/92E, CA/114/92/E, CA/375/92E, CA/376/92E.

The Competition Act provides,inter alia, that if, in the Authority's opinion, the arrangements notified have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in any goods or services in the State or in any part of the State, they do not qualify for a certificate. Consideration is then given to the question of whether the arrangements qualify for a licence of exemption. The Act sets out strict criteria which an agreement must satisfy in order to gain a licence of exemption. A licence is granted for a specific period and may be subject to certain conditions.