Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2004
14 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her Department’s views on the percentage fee structure charged by many professions; if her Department intends to review this issue; her views on whether legislation to restrict this practice in favour of a flat fee structure is worthy of consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13769/04]
View answerThe Competition Authority is currently studying the market for professional services. While the authority's study includes an analysis of professional fees and the manner in which they are set, that is only one element of the review. The study also covers barriers to entry into professions, restrictions on who may supply professional services and various other issues.
There are eight separate professions being examined — engineers, architects, veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, medical practitioners, barristers, and solicitors — and the authority intends to complete its study later this year. I will decide whether legislative measures are required when I have considered the authority's findings.
As regards fee structures generally, the important requirement is to ensure that there is genuine price competition between members of professions in the same way as for any other economic undertakings. The auctioneering profession is to be examined separately by a working group being established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department, the Competition Authority and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs will be represented on the working group.
