Govt drops plans to make doctors and dentists display prices

The Government has reportedly dropped its plans to make doctors and dentists publicly display their prices.

The Tánaiste Mary Harney had promised to introduce the measure last year, when she was Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, following a suggestion by the Director of Consumer Affairs.

However, reports this morning said the new Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin has abandoned the plan "for legal and practical reasons".

The Labour Party has described the move as an astonishing U-turn on the part of the Government.