Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

It relates to competition law and is about price fixing. Clearly, we can negotiate the contract, what is included in the contract, the level of service, etc. and then there must be an objective adjudication of the price. I believe the mechanism being put in place can resolve the issue. It is a matter of being pragmatic and sensible, but clearly we cannot be in breach of the law.

The intention obviously would be that the code would be examined by the Competition Authority. The views of the Competition Authority, if it has views, would be attached when the Minister was consenting or, obviously, not consenting. The only reason the Minister would not consent is if there were something in the Competition Authority's view which the Minister felt was reasonable and which would lead to a period of discussion, or whatever, with the society.