Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of complaints for breaches of the Competition Act 2002 being considered by the Competition Authority; the number of cases that are at pre-investigation stage; the number of cases that are the subject of investigation by the authority; the average time it takes for the authority to assess cases suitable for formal investigation; the impact that the proposed merger of the authority and the National Consumer Agency will have on cases under investigation or consideration by the authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40487/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The question concerns investigations which are part of the day to day operational work of the Competition Authority. As the Deputy is aware, the Competition Authority is an independent statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law across all sectors of the Irish economy. I have no direct responsibility for the day to day operational work of the Authority.

In any case, investigations, by their very nature, are confidential and the Authority does not publish investigative findings, as to do so could prejudice any legal proceedings arising out of the investigation.

The legislation required to effect the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency will provide for the continuation of all cases under investigation by the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency.