Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Question No. 259 of 9 November 2005, the way in which he can have confidence that a monopoly has not developed in the newspaper market, for which he does not have precise market share details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34464/05]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Question No. 259 of 9 November 2005 the way in which he can claim that there is a vibrant competition, particularly in the Sunday newspaper market when it is estimated that a group (details supplied) own approximately 87% of Sunday newspapers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34570/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

As I previously stated, I am aware of the strength of Independent group in the Irish newspaper market. Indeed, the leading position of Independent group is not a new phenomenon as its titles have dominated the market for many years. However, the strength of Independent does not mean that there is no competition in the market. Nor does it follow that Independent's leading position contravenes competition law. The holding of a dominant position is not, in itself, a breach of the Competition Act. A breach of the Act only arises where such a dominant position is abused within the meaning of section 5 of the Act.

The Competition Authority is an independent body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State. Any alleged breach of the Competition Act, including any alleged abuse of dominance as prohibited by section 5 of the Act, should be reported to the authority for investigation. As regards the Sunday newspaper market, it is self-evident that Independent group's portfolio of titles, which span both the broadsheet and tabloid sectors, continue to lead this market. However, as I have already mentioned, I believe that this is a very competitive market with a multiplicity of titles providing wide consumer choice. Further, the publishers of many of these titles, particularly the UK titles, are themselves significant international operators. For example, News International, whose titles compete with Independent titles in both the broadsheet and tabloid sectors, is a major worldwide media player.