Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the Competition Authority ruling in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his views on the ruling in view of the fact that the UK Office of Fair Trade did not have similar concerns; the resources and facilities he will make available to the company's management to ensure the future viability of the Thurles operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8043/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of this matter which relates to a merger transaction in respect of which a determination was made by the Competition Authority on the 9th of February 2007 in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the Competition Act 2002. As required by the Act, the Authority's determination must be published within 2 months of the date of that determination.

The Competition Authority is the statutory independent body responsible for merger regulation and I, as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, have no role or function in relation to mergers under the Act, other than media mergers. I am not entitled to access any information on which a decision of the Authority is based and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the Authority's determination in this case or any other case.

I would point out that in reaching its decision, the Authority has regard to the impact on competition in markets for goods and services in this State. When making a ruling on a proposed merger the UK Office of Fair Trading has regard to its own criteria. I am advised that Enterprise Ireland, the body responsible for the promotion and development of indigenous industry, has been in contact with the company and has offered to assist in every way possible.