Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
81 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the comments by a person (details supplied) that the Competition Authority can effectively veto the lawyers chosen by any party it is investigating and that this amounts to a breach of human rights. [23597/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Competition Act 2002 enhanced the independence of the Competition Authority and section 37(5) of the Act provides that the Authority may regulate its own procedures.
The comments on which my views are requested were apparently made at a conference and reported in a national newspaper. They reflect the views of one legal practitioner on a particular notice published by the Competition Authority on which, I understand, the authority obtained legal advice from senior counsel prior to publication.
The making of this notice is, however, a matter for the Competition Authority which is an independent statutory body. Accordingly, I do not consider it appropriate for me to comment further.
