Vol. 484 No. 3
26 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on allegations in relation to competitive practices in the telecommunications industry under article 86 of the EU Competition Treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22029/97].
The European Commission, in the exercise of its exclusive powers under article 86 of the European Treaty, has issued a statement of objections in this case concerning the alleged abuse of a dominant position in Ireland.
As this concerns the policy of the EU Commission and since it is its policy not to disclose the contents of its statement of objections at this stage, other than to the parties concerned, I have no details of the nature of the allegations against the company. Proceedings in such cases are treated by the EU Commission as confidential and I understand no formal announcement will be made by it until it has come to a decision on the matter. The matter thus remains to be resolved directly between the firms concerned and the EU Commission.
When will the Minister be in a position to tell us about future developments in the area?
I have to be sensitive to the fact that a complaint has been made to the Commission which is the sole authority in this matter. I have no authority or function whatever in the matter, good, bad or indifferent. I have personal opinions but I will not give them. Objections have been raised by the Commission and they remain confidential to the parties concerned at this stage.
