Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grocery Industry.

John Perry

Ceist:

28 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the Competition and Mergers Review Group report, reference chapter 10, Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987, in view of the fact that this report has been published for eight weeks; the reason a decision has not been reached on this important issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16770/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney): I published the report of the Competition and Mergers Review Group on 4 May 2000. The group, which was chaired by Mr. Michael Collins, SC, made some 40 recommendations on a variety of aspects of competition and mergers legislation, the enforcement of competition law, including the Groceries Order, and the administration of mergers law.

A majority of the review group recommended that the Groceries Order be repealed.

I am aware of the strong views held by various groups on this matter. I intend to consult all interested parties and when I have heard their views I will make my decision.

In the interim, the order remains in force.