Dáil Éireann - Volume 592 - 17 November, 2004

Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

  160. Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received a communication from the Medical Council expressing concerns over the resources needed to implement the proposed changes to the Medical Practitioners Act and the holding of fitness to practice hearings in public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29020/04]

Ms Harney Ms Harney

  Ms Harney: Officials from my Department have met the Medical Council on many occasions to discuss a broad range of issues relating to the preparation of the general scheme of the new Medical Practitioners Bill. In recent weeks, a further meeting took place in order to update the council on progress in relation to the drafting of the Bill and on future consultations with the council on the development of the Bill’s provisions. Contact between my Department and the council will continue on a regular basis during the drafting process.

1084

The president of the council has recently written to me regarding the current work of the council and the future system of regulation of the medical profession in Ireland. I have arranged to meet with a delegation from the council on [1084] Thursday, 25 November and I expect that the issues raised in the Deputy’s question will be among the topics for discussion.

Dáil Éireann 592 Written Answers. Legislative Programme.

Questions

20041117