Vol. 511 No. 6
116 Mrs. Owen 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. [25103/99]
The competition and mergers review group set up by my predecessor has as its 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, in its work, review the evolution of competition policy at EU and global 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.
The group is at present concluding its fourth and final discussion document in relation to the groceries order which, I understand, will be published within the next few weeks. The chairman has also indicated to me that the group is concurrently at an advanced stage of considering its final document, which will be presented to me in the new year. Following on receipt of the group's final report and recommendations, I will be examining the issues therein and taking appropriate action.
