Vol. 511 No. 6
72 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the operations of the recently opened stores in Cork and Dublin (details supplied); if she has satisfied herself that the stores are in keeping with their permission to trade and there is no below cost selling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25068/99]
119 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the operations of the recently opened stores in Cork and Dublin (details supplied); if she has satisfied herself that the stores are in keeping with their permission to trade and there is no below cost selling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25106/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 119 together. The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states. 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.
The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has confirmed that it has not received any complaints alleging below cost selling by the company referred to. If any such complaints are made they will, of course, be fully investigated.
I recently met with the company's representatives following their request to brief me on their proposals for the Irish market. During the meeting, I was informed that the company was fully aware of the provisions of the Groceries Order, 1987, and that the approach is to fully respect the legislative environment in any new market. I briefed the representatives on the supplier development programme operated by Enterprise Ireland and suggested that the company meet with Enterprise Ireland to identify potential Irish suppliers. The company agreed to pursue the matter.
