Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to amend the Competition Act 2002 in order to be able to engage more effectively with groups (details supplied) and other such representative bodies; her proposals to amend the Act in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42452/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On 21st October 2008, the Government announced its intention to pursue appropriate amendments to Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to enable the representative body of GPs, the Irish Medical Organisation, to represent its members in negotiations with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children in respect of the services provided to the public health service in a manner consistent with the public interest. The legal provision to be made will be subject to consistency with EU competition rules.

The case of adopting a similar approach to other professional representative bodies would need to be examined in the light of public interest considerations, if any, arising for other professional groups and the scope to adopt such an approach within the confines of EU competition law. Work is underway between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of amending Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002, in a manner consistent with EU competition law and national policy.