Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1305. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a company (details supplied) will have a dominant or a monopoly position in the slaughtering of organic beef cattle here when a merger goes through; the guidelines for fair competition in such a case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the importance of competition in the beef sector. It is crucial to have a robust and transparent legal basis for the evaluation of proposals for mergers and acquisitions.
There is a well established infrastructure, at EU level, and at National level through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for the oversight of competition issues and for handling allegations of anti-competitive practices or the abuse of a dominant market position.
I note that the merger referred to by the Deputy was notified to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission 05/09/2017 who will carry out the appropriate investigation into the proposed merger.
