asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposals whereby doctors will be able to move freely within the EEC to practise their profession; and if it is likely that professional groups such as architects, lawyers, dentists and pharmacists will be given the same opportunity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Professional Groups in EEC.
39.
(Cavan): The Council of Ministers on 11th February, 1975, approved in principle two directives concerning the freedom of movement of doctors within the Community.
Both directives were formulated under Article 57 of the EEC Treaty and are designed to facilitate the effective exercise of the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services that are secured for EEC nationals under Articles 52 and 59 of the Treaty. The two directives are interlinked. The first concerns the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualification in medicine. A list of the qualifications to be recognised is included in the directive. Any of the qualifications listed will be recognised by a member state as having the same validity as qualifications awarded by the member state itself. Provision is also made for mutual recognition of specialist medical qualifications. Procedures are established which will allow nationals of all member states to fulfil requirements laid down by individual member states concerning evidence of the good character and mental and physical health of those wishing to practise as doctors.
The second directive lays down minimum criteria for courses of study that will lead to medical qualifications. These criteria are to apply in all the member states. It is specified, for example, that a complete period of medical training shall comprise at least a six-year course or 5,500 hours of theoretical and practical instruction given in a university or under the supervision of a university. Certain broad requirements concerning the content of courses are also laid down.
The two directives on doctors are now being put into final legal form and will then be formally notified to national Governments. Member states are required to introduce the provisions of the directives into national law within 18 months of notification.
The directives facilitating free movement of doctors are viewed within the Community as a precedent for similar directives that would apply to other professional groups. Directives facilitating free movement of architects, lawyers, dentists and pharmacists are under consideration.
Could the Minister tell me why it is not possible to deal with the various professions across the board in one directive and fulfil the intentions of the Treaty?
(Cavan): As I understand it, the Community is putting forward a separate directive for each profession.