Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
49 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the studies which the Competition Authority is undertaking; when each of the studies will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/04]
View answerI 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 final reports for both these professions are expected to be published shortly. Draft reports in respect of the other professions will be published later this year, and it is expected the entire process will be completed by early 2005.
It is also expected that the authority's report on the banking sector will be completed in early 2005. However, an interim report by economic consultants LECG is expected to be released in December 2004 and all interested parties will be invited to comment on this report to the authority before it issues its final report.
With regard to the insurance study, the Competition Authority has carried out research on barriers to entry and rivalry in the motor, employers' liability and public liability insurance markets. Its findings were published in a preliminary report in February 2004. The authority is currently engaging with interested parties and expects to publish its final report later this year.
