Written answers

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Meat Processing Plants

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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275. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the legislation that allowed for the anti-competitive practice of meat processing companies owning bovine feedlots or contracting bovine feedlots to feed cattle which have been the source of supply for 20% of all cattle slaughtered in meat processing plants here (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9286/19]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Policy matters relating to the agriculture sector (including sector specific legislation) are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Competition Acts 2002 to 2014 constitute a horizontal piece of competition law which refer to all sectors. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices. As investigations and enforcement matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Commission, I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in the matter.

Should the Deputy believe that there are any anti-competitive practices occurring in any sector, he should contact the CCPC directly in the matter.

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