Skip to main content
Normal View

Professional Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2013

Thursday, 24 January 2013

Questions (23)

Brendan Smith

Question:

23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in negotiations with the professional bodies in relation to the provision of advance price quotations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3342/13]

View answer

Written answers

Under the 2012 Action Plan on Jobs, with a view to increasing price transparency by encouraging all professionals (accounting, taxation, legal etc.) supplying the business sector and consumers to provide price quotations in advance, the National Consumer Agency was tasked with carrying out the following actions:

- Conducting market research and liaising with business representative groups to compile and prioritise a list of professions where sourcing of fees is currently an issue; and

- Commencing work with representative bodies with a goal to make standard fee lists available for routine services to both consumers and small businesses.

The Agency commissioned independent market research to identify professional services where sourcing quotations was an issue for small businesses. The research also aimed to identify any other issues or difficulties associated with obtaining quotations. One of the main findings of the research was that a significant number of small businesses do not seek quotes in advance when dealing with professions or indeed experience difficulties in obtaining quotes when seeking services from providers in certain professions. Among the professions identified as posing difficulties for small business in obtaining quotations were solicitors, banking, accountants and insurance.

Arising from its research, the Agency apprised the relevant representative business groups of the research findings and in particular the finding that a large number of small businesses do not seek quotes in advance when dealing with professions.

In parallel, but as a separate exercise, the National Consumer Agency has carried out a number of initiatives in the area of price display. Included in these initiatives was an agreement with the Dental Council in relation to a format of price display by dentists by means of a Code of Practice which makes it mandatory for dentists to display their private fees for certain treatments in a place where patients can read it before consultation. A standardised format was agreed in April 2011 and took effect as a regulatory requirement as part of their Code of Practice on June 1st 2011.

As regards the medical profession the Agency engaged with the Irish Medical Council and the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the display of prices by doctors, following which the IMO issued guidance to its members advising them "to prominently display a price list for a range of standard consultations". The Medical Council has advised that the price list will be considered for inclusion in the revised Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners.

Following a survey of child care facilities, the Agency engaged with the representative body in that sector to progress a standardised price display format for its members to display in a prominent location on their premises. A format was agreed with the child care body and introduced in October 2012.

As regards legal services, which the NCA’s research found to be the profession in respect of which customers had the highest level of difficulty in accessing quotes, the Agency engaged with the Law Society to explore initiatives which could be undertaken to improve transparency in the solicitor profession in terms of its accessibility by both consumers and SMEs. Among the initiatives discussed with the Society was the introduction of standard templates for consumers seeking a quote for three common services such as making a will, obtaining a grant of probate and a conveyance. The Agency is hoping to conclude the discussions with the Society in relation to the possible introduction of standard templates shortly.

Aside from the foregoing initiatives of the National Consumer Agency, it is also essential that consumers and businesses both embrace their own responsibilities to achieve the best value for money, through for example, actively seeking quotations from service providers. The research carried out by the Agency shows that whilst there is some evidence particularly in relation to consumers being more price conscious and actively shopping around for value, a number of businesses, particularly small businesses, need to embrace their responsibilities in this area much more proactively.

Top
Share