Staines Law act on behalf of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in relation to the IFA Investigation Campaign.
The IFA has longed expressed concerns over anti-competitive practises in the Beef Processing Sector and seeking evidence of price fixing and abuse of dominant position and other potential breaches of the Competition Law in the Beef processing Sector in Ireland the EU.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) which oversees the enforcement of Completion Law in Ireland recently advised IFA that despite having received numerous complaints that it would not investigate the allegations of anti-competitive practice in the beef processing sector in Ireland. The main reason given was what the CCPC called a lack of evidence and in particular documentary evidence. Notwithstanding that the CCPC has considerable investigation powers under the legislation they have declined and refused to use these powers to try and obtain any evidence of price fixing or other anti-competitive behaviour by the beef processing sector in Ireland.
IFA is now seeking to gather this information itself. If IFA can obtain strong evidence this can be used to put pressure on the CCPC to carry out an investigation or in the alternative IFA may be in a position to pursue a private prosecution or make a formal complaint to the EU competition authority.
We have introduced a new online video consultation service for clients in the agri sector in Ireland. Clients can book consultations over a range of time to suit them for a fixed fee of €180 to include VAT the consultation will cover an initial review of documents prior to the consultation.
“COVID-19 has accelerated client’s wish for remote access to legal services”. Clients are questioning why they should give up a substantial portion of their day to travel to see a solicitor when in many cases the use of Team, Zoom, Whatsapp or Facetime allows the client access to a specialist solicitor to provide advices in their area and progress their cases. Queries in farm succession, probate, solar and wind, contract disputes and rights of way are all issues impacting upon the Agri Sector in Ireland and which can be dealt with very conveniently through online consultations.
James Staines has been a solicitor for over 25 years and specialises in the agricultural sector. Farming is full of bright and innovative people and Staines Law wants to help them develop their businesses and be as successful as they can be.’’
