Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is considering any new legislation or other measures to strengthen the powers of the Competition Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34264/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Both the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency and proposals arising from a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002 will have an impact on the Competition Authority in terms of its functions and powers. In July 2011 Government approved the drafting of the Consumer and Competition Bill which I expect to see published during the first half of 2012. This Bill will merge the two agencies and provide for the powers and functions of the new Consumer and Competition Authority.

In advance of this proposed legislation, the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2011 has been introduced which will strengthen competition law enforcement. This Bill passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann last week.