The Competition Authority published today (10th January 2007) guidance in respect of collective negotiations relating to the setting of medical fees.

The Competition Authority published a consultation document in January 2006 to determine the scope of guidance that could be provided in respect of collective negotiations relating to the setting of medical fees. The aim of the Consultation Document was to get a better understanding of the way in which fees for consultants’ services are negotiated between consultants and private health insurers.

As a consequence of the consultation process, the Competition Authority has decided to publish a guidance note under Section 30(1)(d) of the Competition Act, 2002.

The following is a list of the non-confidential submissions received in response to the consultation document: