Michael McDowell
Question:238 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment when the report on the surveying profession will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3015/97]
Written Answers. - Report on Surveying Profession.
The former fair trade commission submitted a series of reports concerning the professions including a report in 1990 entitled, Report of a study on restrictions in the Professions — Architects, Surveyors, Auctioneers and Valuers.
The report was not published as shortly after receipt the regime in regard to competition in Ireland changed radically.
The Competition Act, 1991 was enacted and the fair trade commission was abolished and the Competition Authority was established.
The 1991 Act set out rules of competition and these rules apply to all sectors of the economy. They have been augmented recently by giving the Competition Authority enforcement powers in the Competition (Amendment) Act, 1996.
All of the professions without exception are required to comply with the rules of competition and either aggrieved parties may take action under the Competition Act of 1991 or action can be initiated by the Director of Competition Enforcement and enforced by the authority under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 1996 in regard to any breaches of the rules of competition which might take place.
The Competition Authority has received a number of notifications from the professions in regard to applications for licences or certificates under the Competition Act, 1991. To date it has issued one decision in regard to the Association of Optometrists whereby a certificate was issued indicating that the Memorandum, Articles of Association and Code of Ethics of the Association of Optometrists did not offend against the rules of competition.
It has not received any information from the professions of architects, surveyors, auctioneers and valuers. The attention of the Director of Competition Enforcement has been drawn to this.