Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 126: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress that has been made on the review of competition law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30996/08]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of the Competition Act 2002 is expected to be completed; the person by whom the review is being carried out; the terms of reference of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30938/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 143 together.

The Competition Act, 2002 was introduced on foot of the Report of the Competition and Mergers Review Group which made a number of recommendations in relation to national competition and merger law. In addition to implementing many of those recommendations, the Act consolidated the previous competition and mergers legislation into one statute.

As the majority of the provisions in the Act have been in force for more than five years, it was considered time to review how the legislation is operating in practice. In October, 2007, my Department published advertisements in national newspapers seeking submissions on the operation and implementation of the Act.

A number of submissions have been received from a variety of interested parties, including legal practitioners, trade unions, representative bodies and the Competition Authority. These submissions cover a range of issues, many of a technical nature, which are currently being considered by my officials.

I expect to have a report from my officials by the end of the year.