Standards of competition in the Irish economy

Abstract

This paper argues that the Irish economy is characterised by high levels of industrial concentration and weak competition. Competition rules introduced in 1991 and strengthened in 1996 have had a significant effect in many markets, but the most extremely anti-competitive markets have remained from these rules. In some instances, political lobbying has resulted in unjustified protection from competition. The paper recommends that further improvements to competition rules are required and, most importantly, that all sectors of the economy should be exposed to these rules in a way that is not susceptible to political interference.