John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has examined in detail the submission made to him by the Irish Small Business Alliance; if he has consulted the Competition Authority on the matters raised; if so, the action he intends to take; if the Competition Authority has received similar complaints and if so, the investigations that are ongoing or completed by that authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38006/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of a number of representations and submissions made by the Irish Small Business Alliance concerning allegations of anti-competitive practices. I am also aware that the Competition Authority, as the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State, has received information concerning these allegations. Section 29 (3) of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Under section 30(1)(b) of that Act, the Competition Authority is responsible for investigating breaches of the Act. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Authority, I have no direct function in the matter. It is the Authority's policy not to comment on investigations.