In May 2001 the Competition Authority decided, on their own initiative, to undertake a study of competition in a number of professions under section 11 of the Competition Act 1991, as amended. Following a public consultation process, the authority decided that the professions to be studied in detail are medical practitioner, dentist, veterinary surgeon, optometrist, solicitor, barrister, architect and engineer. I understand that work is ongoing on the study and that findings in relation to individual professions will be published on a phased basis commencing in May 2003.