John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The motion refers to the powers of the Competition Authority as laid out in the Competition Act 2002. The Act gave appropriate powers to the authority. The extent of the authority's activities can be seen in its 2004 record of 24 warrants and 58 summonses issued. It was the first enforcement agency in Europe to secure a criminal conviction. What is in place is working. There is a need to constantly review this in light of changing legislation, such as the groceries order.

The contributions so far have referred to the efficiency of the court system and the various people brought before the courts by the Competition Authority. However, that is a matter for the courts. At least the authority is doing its job. Deputy Perry referred to the Committee of Public Accounts, which has nothing to do with the issue.

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