Vol. 558 No. 6
40 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of studies being undertaken by the Competition Authority to deal with issues of regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24898/02]
The Competition Authority is currently undertaking three studies. First, the Competition Authority decided in May 2001 to undertake a study of competition in a number of professions under section 11 of the Competition Act, 1991, as amended. The professions being studied in detail are medical practitioner, dentist, veterinary surgeon, optometrist, solicitor, barrister, architect and engineer. I am informed that the authority expect to complete the study in 2003.
Second, the authority has commenced a study of competition in the provision of banking services, excluding investment banking, in the State. The study will identify barriers to entry into non-investment banking in the State and will identify and analyse industry practices, legislation and/or administrative practices in non-investment banking in the State that limit the degree of rivalry in the marketplace to the detriment of consumers. It is intended that this study will be completed in 2003.
Third, the authority has commenced, in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a study of competition issues in the non-life insurance market with particular reference to motor insurance, employer's liability and public liability. It is intended that the majority of the work on this study will be completed it 2003.
Further details and terms of reference for these studies can be viewed on the authority's website www.tca.ie.
