FIANNA Fail deputy leader Mary O'Rourke is meeting the EU competition commissioner about the Tesco takeover of Quinnsworth and Crazy Prices today.

Ms O'Rourke has already written to Commissioner Van Miert as well as employment and social affairs commissioner Mr Padraig Flynn asking him to examine the takeover and to seek written assurances from Tesco on a range of issues including the maintenance of Irish staff and Quinnsworth's supplier base.

Ms O'Rourke has also asked Mr Van Miert to consider initiating proceedings under the terms of EU merger regulations if Tesco does not give written assurances.

Other issues which should be clarified, Ms O'Rourke said, are the location of Tesco's buying office in Ireland and an assurance that Tesco will maintain Quinnsworth's distribution system for at least three years.

Ms O'Rourke was critical of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment Mr Bruton. "The Minister has refused for the last six weeks to get tough with Tesco to seek written assurances on these very important matters," Ms O'Rourke said.