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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Competition Authority Inquiry.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

126 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. [20344/02]

In May 2001 the Competition Authority decided, 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 the study are as follows: 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. I understand that the authority will have its report completed in the first half of next year.

Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 89.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 83.

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