Menu
13/08/2001
Minister announces two annual business reports
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney has announced two annual reports, one on competition and the other on mergers.
Commenting on the Annual Report of the Competition Authority for 2000, she said: "The Authority engaged in a sustained level of enforcement activity during 2000 involving a number of investigations and legal actions against alleged anti-competitive practices.
“The investigation of alleged price fixing and other cartel type practices is a top priority for the Authority as such practices are designed to increase prices for consumers and to impose unnecessary costs on the economy.
“The message to business is that such practices represent serious breaches of competition law, are simply not acceptable and in all cases where it has evidence of cartel type behaviour the Authority will bring proceedings."
The Tánaiste noted that the capacity of the Competition Authority to investigate and act against these activities had been greatly enhanced in recent months with the creation of 15 new posts. She revealed that this represented a doubling of the staffing levels, and was an indication of the high priority government attached to promoting competition.
Ms Harney added that during 2000, the Authority recorded the first criminal prosecution under the Competition Acts for price fixing. It also took court action in connection with a blockade of a dairy in Co. Donegal and has a number of other legal proceedings pending.
The second report, the Annual Report of her Department on the Control of Mergers for 2000, noted that the level of mergers and takeovers continued to increase in 2000.
The Tánaiste said that 105 proposals were approved during 2000, up from 100 approved during 1999. These included seven proposals involving newspapers.
One merger proposal referred to the Competition Authority, involved a proposed acquisition by Golden Vale, but this proposal was subsequently withdrawn. (SP)
Commenting on the Annual Report of the Competition Authority for 2000, she said: "The Authority engaged in a sustained level of enforcement activity during 2000 involving a number of investigations and legal actions against alleged anti-competitive practices.
“The investigation of alleged price fixing and other cartel type practices is a top priority for the Authority as such practices are designed to increase prices for consumers and to impose unnecessary costs on the economy.
“The message to business is that such practices represent serious breaches of competition law, are simply not acceptable and in all cases where it has evidence of cartel type behaviour the Authority will bring proceedings."
The Tánaiste noted that the capacity of the Competition Authority to investigate and act against these activities had been greatly enhanced in recent months with the creation of 15 new posts. She revealed that this represented a doubling of the staffing levels, and was an indication of the high priority government attached to promoting competition.
Ms Harney added that during 2000, the Authority recorded the first criminal prosecution under the Competition Acts for price fixing. It also took court action in connection with a blockade of a dairy in Co. Donegal and has a number of other legal proceedings pending.
The second report, the Annual Report of her Department on the Control of Mergers for 2000, noted that the level of mergers and takeovers continued to increase in 2000.
The Tánaiste said that 105 proposals were approved during 2000, up from 100 approved during 1999. These included seven proposals involving newspapers.
One merger proposal referred to the Competition Authority, involved a proposed acquisition by Golden Vale, but this proposal was subsequently withdrawn. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 September 2009
City Airport Rattles Tiles
Fresh doubts have been cast on plans to expand Belfast's urban airport. An investigation is under way after people living near George Best Belfast City Airport claimed the 'wash' from a low-flying jet smashed roof tiles on a house. The BBC has reported that residents suffered a major scare.
City Airport Rattles Tiles
Fresh doubts have been cast on plans to expand Belfast's urban airport. An investigation is under way after people living near George Best Belfast City Airport claimed the 'wash' from a low-flying jet smashed roof tiles on a house. The BBC has reported that residents suffered a major scare.
17 September 2001
Transatlantic flights resume from Ireland
Transatlantic flights to and from Belfast have resumed as regulations covering low-level flights over central London are lifted. The ban over such flights was put in place following last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in America.
Transatlantic flights resume from Ireland
Transatlantic flights to and from Belfast have resumed as regulations covering low-level flights over central London are lifted. The ban over such flights was put in place following last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in America.
10 October 2016
Carragher Appointed To Board Of HLF
Ms Anne Carragher has been appointed to the board of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Ms Carragher was appointed through an open competition run by the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) which has overall responsibility for UK Lottery Matters. As an integral element of the process for HLF Board Appointments.
Carragher Appointed To Board Of HLF
Ms Anne Carragher has been appointed to the board of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Ms Carragher was appointed through an open competition run by the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) which has overall responsibility for UK Lottery Matters. As an integral element of the process for HLF Board Appointments.
14 December 2015
Uber Taxi App Launches In Belfast
Uber, a US-based taxi app, has been granted a license by the Department of the Environment. The new service, which uses GPS on users phones, people can choose a taxi nearest to them in any given area, began operating at 4pm on Friday 11 December.
Uber Taxi App Launches In Belfast
Uber, a US-based taxi app, has been granted a license by the Department of the Environment. The new service, which uses GPS on users phones, people can choose a taxi nearest to them in any given area, began operating at 4pm on Friday 11 December.
21 August 2001
NI small businesses urged to enter Parcelforce awards
Small businesses throughout Northern Ireland are being urged to enter this year’s Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business Awards. This years awards will have £130,000 worth of prize money available for entrants.
NI small businesses urged to enter Parcelforce awards
Small businesses throughout Northern Ireland are being urged to enter this year’s Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business Awards. This years awards will have £130,000 worth of prize money available for entrants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
