Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Yes, perhaps the Ceann Comhairle has a point. On the Competition Authority and the various reports, lectures etc., what tangibly has been achieved? If there are anti-competitive practices in this economy, as is alleged, and there is anti-competitive activity to the extent suggested in certain significant sectors, why have more prosecutions not been advanced? Why has more action not been taken? For example, the only two cases that have gone to court are the one on pet food for chihuahuas and the one on the Irish League of Credit Unions. If I were seriously interested in tackling alleged anti-competitive activity in the financial services sector, I would not start with the credit unions. There are a number of other sectors I could mention. After all the fine lectures, the high profile public statements, etc. is it a little odd that it seems difficult to get a file to progress as far as taking on a particular dominant influence in several markets I could mention?

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