Vol. 504 No. 5
88 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that Irish suppliers have access equal to other EU suppliers in supplying products to multinational chain stores here and throughout Europe; if all these stores comply with EU competition and monopoly laws in respect of supply of products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11024/99]
The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the EU. This is a right which many Irish firms are exploiting very successfully, both in terms of establishing businesses in other member states and in supplying the Single Market. I have no reason to believe that Irish suppliers are at a disadvantage relative to other suppliers.
A comprehensive legal framework exists through which anti-competitive behaviour and abuse of a dominant position can be challenged. This framework is enforced at national level by the Competition Authority. Competition in trade between EU member states is covered by Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty of Rome. These Articles empower the European Commission to intervene in cases where anti-competitive behaviour is suspected. The single market unit of my Department is available to assist any business or citizen who may be experiencing difficulties in exercising their rights in the Single Market.
I am anxious to ensure that Irish suppliers continue to avail of the opportunities which the increasing number of overseas firms in the Irish retail market provide. To this end, Enterprise Ireland administers a supplier development programme which determines, at an individual company level, the appropriate changes required to assist Irish suppliers to respond to the challenges arising from the structural change under way in the market and to take advantage of new opportunities arising.
