Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the growing concerns among food suppliers here regarding the abuse of buying power by certain retailers which can lead to a situation in which such suppliers are not recovering costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18133/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy refers in his question to concerns regarding possible abuses by certain undertakings in the retail sector. I would advise the Deputy that the Competition Acts specifically provide that any abuse by one or more undertakings of a dominant position in the State or in any part of the State is prohibited. Should the Deputy have any evidence of undertakings in the retail sector engaging in the abuse of a dominant position, I would urge him to bring such evidence to the attention of the Competition Authority in order that it may be investigated fully.

In addition to prohibitions in relation to instances of abuse of dominance, the Competition Acts contain further specific provisions prohibiting retailers from engaging in certain practices in their dealings with suppliers. Again any evidence of retailers engaging in such prohibited practices should be brought to the attention of the Competition Authority.