Vol. 558 No. 6
54 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature of the inquiry she has asked the Competition Authority to undertake into soaring prices and professional fees; when she expects to receive the report of the authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24862/02]
The Competition Authority decided in May 2001, on its own initiative, to undertake a study of competition in a number of professions under section 11 of the Competition Act, 1991, as amended. The terms of reference of that study are: "to study and analyse methods and practices affecting competition in the provision of certain professional services, with a view to identifying any potential or actual restrictions on competition, whether arising from legal provisions, professional rules or customs, or otherwise, that have an appreciable effect on competition; and to identify and evaluate any consumer benefits claimed for any such restrictions and to consider whether the restrictions are proportionate to the achievement of any such benefits."
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. The authority has engaged consultants to assist it and work is currently ongoing on the study. I am informed that the authority expects to complete the study in 2003.
