Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Bill being published today that is rather euphemistically titled the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill, which may be a matter of contention, contains an obligation on the Minister for Health and Children to engage in consultation with health bodies on the reduction of payments for health professionals. As we all know, the Competition Act is an obstacle in that regard as evidenced when the issue involving pharmacists arose last year. We have also had issues with regard to actors and others. There is a promise to amend the Competition Act. Will that now be brought forward as a matter of urgency? Under the legislation published today, the Minister must consult. However, under the Competition Act there are difficulties with the Minister consulting with the representatives of doctors, pharmacists, dentists and other health professionals.

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