Written answers

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Reports

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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73. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the requests made under section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; her plans to make a further request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50036/19]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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On 4 July 2017, a motion was passed by Dáil Éireann which called on the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to ask the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to report on the operation of the household waste collection market. Following a formal request on 25 September 2017 from the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who has policy responsibility for the waste sector, the then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, requested the CCPC to carry out a study on the operation of the household waste collection market.

The CCPC conducted its study into the household waste collection market and published its report on 28 September 2018. Any actions arising from the study are a policy matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

In July 2019, I requested that the CCPC carry out a study of the public liability insurance market. The study will focus on how the market for public liability insurance is functioning and will make recommendations as to how any identified issues may be addressed. The CCPC has commenced its study and I understand that a procurement process was launched to seek the services of external economic consultants to expedite its delivery. These consultants will supplement the CCPC’s in-house expertise.  The CCPC has advised me that the study is a priority and it will be concluded as soon as practicable.

Ensuring fair competition while protecting consumer welfare is vital for the continued growth of the economy. When I become aware of serious issues of concern, I may invoke the powers under Section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 to request that the CCPC conducts relevant studies or analysis relating to consumer protection and welfare, review any practice or method on competition affecting the supply and distribution of goods or the provision of services, or any other matter relating to competition.

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