Tánaiste warns that fees must be reduced

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has warned doctors, lawyers and architects they will have to lower the fees if the country is to restore its competitiveness.

Focusing on the sheltered fees sector – including solicitors, GPs and accountants – Ms Coughlan said the country had priced itself out of the market and the Government had to correct this. She said the amount professionals charged the State was too high.

“Certain professions have yet to play their part and have yet to tell us how they will reduce their fees and charges.”