Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
38 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is his intention that the groceries order continue to prohibit below cost selling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23600/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra57 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he intends to publish the results of his review of the 1987 groceries order which forbids below cost selling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23672/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 57 together.
In the course of the review of the groceries order which my predecessor commenced, the advice of the Attorney General's office was sought. The advice stated that, should an amendment of the order be deemed appropriate, the safest method would be pursuant to primary legislation.
The Competition Act 2002 is a recent statute which introduced a wide range of enhancements to national competition law. While I have no plans for new competition legislation at present, the question of reviewing the order may be revisited at such time when the 2002 Act is being reviewed in the future.
