Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the observation in the Competition Authority's Strategy Statement 2006-2008 that lack of a formal response by Government on recommendations for removal of public restrictions of competition can undermine Competition Authority recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17876/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Competition Authority published its Strategy Statement for the period 2006 to 2008 at the beginning of the year. The Strategy Statement sets out the Competition Authority's objectives for the next three years and its plans on how it proposes to implement those objectives. The Authority states that the focus of its strategy over the next three years is about discharging its functions in the most timely, efficient and effective way possible.

Amongst the goals listed in the Authority's Strategy Statement is the promotion of competition where it is absent, limited or restricted. It describes advocacy as being fundamental to the achievement of its goals, particularly when many regulations and business practices restrict competition. The Authority uses its advocacy role to address this type of issue through publication of reports or position papers which identify particular restrictions on competition in specific sectors or industries.

The observation in question is made in the context of the "Critical Success Factors" identified in the Authority's Strategy Statement that could affect the implementation of its strategy over the next three years. For example, the Authority believes that if its recommendations, made after careful consideration of a sector or industry in order to improve the competitive environment, were to be completely ignored by government departments or public bodies, then this would have a negative impact on the achievement of its objectives.

All recommendations of the Competition Authority are given due weight and I think it would be very unlikely that any future recommendation would be completely ignored by any body or agency to which it is addressed.