Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Recognition of Alternative Medical Practitioners.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

292 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that more and more people are availing of the services of alternative medical practitioners, he will give consideration to introducing standards of qualification which practitioners would conform to and which would be acceptable to and administered by a body of alternative practitioners; and if such standards of qualification were introduced, if he would give consideration to recognising alternative medicine for payment on the medical card.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am aware of the growing interest in a wide range of complementary and alternative therapies and while officials of my Department maintain contact with bodies which represent those engaged in these fields, I have no proposals at present to regulate, or set standards of qualification in, this area of activity. Accordingly, the question of making the services of practitioners of alternative medicine available to holders of medical cards does not arise unless these practitioners are also registered medical practitioners.