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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Competition Law.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

71 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that legitimate businesses in the video rental area are precluded from purchasing some titles for rental; and if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that sole agency for distribution of many new films is allocated to only one company; her views on whether this is unfair trading and that these distribution rights should not be confined to one group as these films, in many cases, are subsidised from national sources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3917/00]

My attention has not been drawn to this matter.

Competition policy in the State is now governed by the Competition Act, 1991 and the Competition (Amendment) Act, 1996. The Competition Authority has the necessary powers to investigate and carry out inquiries and is charged with enforcing competition law in respect of such matters.

The rules of competition are set out in the Competition Act, 1991, section 4 of which prohibits and makes void all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in any goods or services in the State or in any part of the State. Section 5 prohibits abuse of a dominant position.

I have brought the Deputy's concerns regarding alleged unfair distribution of subsidised films in this industry to the attention of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands who is responsible for the Irish film industry.

I also suggest that the Deputy, if he has not already done so, should communicate the details of his complaint to the Director of Competition Enforcement.

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