Vol. 511 No. 6
70 Mr. Boylan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the competition and mergers review group's report has been considered by her; her views on the findings that 109 complaints alleged price fixing and hard core cartel activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25062/99]
The competition and mergers review group set up by my predecessor has the following terms of reference: to review and make recommendations on the mergers legislation in the context of a legislative consolidation; the effectiveness of competition legislation and associated regulations; cultural matters in the context of the 1991 Act and, in particular section 4(2) of that Act; and appropriate structures for implementing the above legislation.
The group may also commission detailed sectoral studies as required and will also in its work review the evolution of competition policy at EU and local level. Subsequently, I asked the group to take account of and advise me on how best to implement certain recommendations of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry dealing with competition issues.
I await the review group's report and final recommendations. The chairman has indicated in his latest discussion document that it should be possible to formulate the review group's final recommendations and report to me by the end of this year following which I will be examining it and taking appropriate action.
