Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to refer the possible takeover of a meat plant (details supplied) in County Kildare by a company to the Competition Authority in view of the dominant position that would be held in the industry by a small number of processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39688/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of recent media speculation around the possible takeover of a meat plant in County Kildare. I note that the same story was also reported in various media outlets this time last year however, as yet, I am not aware of any formal agreement in this regard. Mergers and acquisitions involving companies within the State who have turnover of over €40 million must be brought to the attention of the Competition Authority as a statutory requirement. The notification of merger or acquisition is published on their website and they then have a review process which they then undertake.

It should also be noted that if the Competition Authority become aware of a merger or acquisition which is below the thresholds set out in the Competition Act 2002, they can ask the parties to make a voluntary notification or can use the powers provided under Sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act 2002 to review the agreement.

As well as the mandatory review based on turnover threshold and the provisions in Sections 4 and 5 of the Competitions Act, any member of the public may contact the Competition Authority with regards to Anti-Competitive Behaviour, Cartels or concerns over Mergers and Acquisitions.

The Deputy will be aware that from 31 October 2014, the Competition Authority will merge with the National Consumer Agency to form the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The powers and reporting requirements for mergers and acquisitions as well as the ability of members of the public to report concerns will not change following the set up of the new body.