John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I do not have that information to hand, but I will forward it to the Deputy if it is available. Amendment No. 3 allows for an agreement between a company, the Competition Authority and undertakings under investigation to be made subject to a High Court order. This will act as a significant deterrent to potential offenders or persons engaged in anti-competitive behaviour. Breaches of the High Court order will constitute contempt of court and result in much quicker and more punitive legal consequences for offenders. This new power for the Competition Authority will send a clear message that anti-competitive behaviour which amounts to white collar crime will be severely dealt with.

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