Written answers

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Departmental Agencies Expenditure

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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390. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the costs that will be incurred in the establishment of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33505/14]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will be established on 31 October 2014 through the amalgamation of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency.

Savings of approximately €1,700,000 over the next ten years will be achieved as there will be no fees for a Board or Chairperson to be paid (or associated costs such as travel and subsistence for Board members) while some other savings should be realised in relation to public relations and audit activities.

Necessary preparations leading up to the establishment of the Commission have been underway since 2013 and these have intensified this year. The establishment costs incurred to-date, or known to be due, are approximately €187,632. The costs paid to-date have been absorbed by both the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority within current budget allocations.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will be bi-located on establishment in the current premises of the bodies that are being amalgamated. Once a suitable premises is identified for the Commission, there will be unavoidable once-off set-up costs for moving, fit-out, etc. These costs will depend upon the premises that is selected by the OPW, the final layout plans and any connected contractual arrangements for fit out, furniture, etc. These once-off relocation set-up costs would have been incurred irrespective of the establishment of the Commission, as a decision not to renew the leases in both organisations' current locations was taken by the OPW independently of the amalgamation.

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