Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the further measures he will being forward to enhance competitiveness in the economy here in particular by reforming the sheltered professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33735/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the Action Plan for Job, the Competition Authority has been asked to identify any sheltered areas of the economy where competition is restricted. On foot of this work by the Authority, I have commissioned it to carry out a market study on competition in port services. I expect to receive the Authority's report in 2013.

Over the past number of years the Competition Authority has made a number of recommendations aimed at improving competition in various sectors. The majority of these recommendations have been either implemented, overtaken by events or rejected (on other policy grounds) while legislative measures such as the Legal Services Regulation Bill and the Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill will give effect to outstanding recommendations in respect of the legal and medical professions. I have asked my colleagues to reach early conclusions on the implementation of all currently outstanding recommendations.

Government has also approved an approach which will see the Minister with relevant policy responsibility for future Competition Authority recommendations bring a report to Government, within 9 months of the publication of the report, giving their position on implementation of the recommendations.

A range of additional measures are being taken across Government through the Action Plan for Jobs to improve the operating environment for businesses and the competitiveness of the Irish economy.