Vol. 502 No. 4
92 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received any information or evidence relating to commitments or obligations entered into by companies which have been the subject of monopolies or competition legislation; if all commitments and legislation are being complied with under this heading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8581/99]
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if foreign based companies operating in this country are observing commitments entered into under the terms of competition and monopolies legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8582/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
As regards mergers legislation, I am responsible for administering the Mergers and Takeovers (Control) Acts, 1978 to 1996. In recent years, the only instance of commitments or obligations being entered into by companies under national mergers legislation arose in the 1996 acquisition by Statoil Ireland Limited of Conoco Ireland Limited. I am not aware of any failure by Statoil to comply with these undertakings.
As regards competition law, under the Competition Acts, 1991 and 1996, the Competition Authority is empowered to grant licences and certificates in relation to agreements if certain conditions are satisfied. The Competition Authority is the agency responsible for implementing the Competition Acts and legal remedies are available to the Authority in regard to following up any alleged non-compliance.
