Vol. 577 No. 5
50 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive the reports of the Competition Authority into competition in the banking, insurance and professional service markets; and if she will request the authority to prioritise the completion of this work. [31906/03]
I understand that the studies by the Competition Authority into the banking, insurance and professional service markets are progressing.
With regard to the professions study, consultation documents on engineers and architects have been published, and the final reports will issue early in 2004. Consultation documents containing draft recommendations for the professions of solicitors and barristers should issue in the spring of 2004. Draft recommendations for medical practitioners and dentists plus the final reports on the legal professions should issue in summer 2004.
It is expected that the authority's report on the banking sector will be completed in the third quarter of 2004. However, an interim report by economic consultants LECG will be released in the summer of 2004 and all interested parties will be invited to comment on this report to the authority.
With regard to the insurance study, the Competition Authority has carried out research on barriers to entry and rivalry in motor, employers liability and public liability insurance markets and intends to produce a final report during the second quarter of 2004. An initial report, which I anticipate by February, will set out preliminary results of the research and allow comments by interested parties. In the light of comments received, the final report will be published including any recommendations.
51 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the contention of the National Competitiveness Council that, unlike most other EU countries, including the UK, Germany and France, Ireland has no civil sanctions for infringements of competition law; her plans to introduce legislation to provide such civil sanctions; and if there are no plans in this regard, the reason therefor. [31907/03]
I am aware of the recommendation made by the National Competitiveness Council in relation to exploring the feasibility of introducing, in this country, civil sanctions for breaches of competition legislation.
My Department is currently examining this matter in consultation with the Competition Authority and the Attorney General's Office.
