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Agrifood Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Ceisteanna (582, 583)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

582. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the development in the beef and sheepmeat sector; his further views on whether the development will add or take from competition in the beef and lamb sectors; the view his department conveyed to DG Competition in Brussels on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30349/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

583. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department provided any detail, statistics or knowledge on rendering and factory feed lots in the context of a joint venture (details supplied) to DG Competition in Brussels as part of their investigations into this development; if his Department was asked to provide any of this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30350/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 583 together.

I am very much aware of the importance of competition in the beef and lamb sector. For this reason it is critically important to have a robust legal basis for the evaluation of proposals for mergers and acquisitions.

I noted the outcome of the European Commission's decision last week on this particular case. I also noted that the proposal has been analysed in accordance with the established procedure under competition law rules and am satisfied that the European Commission took into account the impact of the merger on competition in the beef and lamb sector.

My Department provided statistical data on the beef and sheepmeat sectors to DG Competition in the form of a questionnaire submitted to stakeholders.

I would like to reiterate that if evidence emergences of practices by this or any other entity which are contrary to competition rules, the possibility of the matter being taken up with the relevant Competition Authorities remains open.

Question No. 584 answered with Question No. 571.
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