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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Registration.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

503 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent requirements imposed by the Medical Council on persons in a certain category, the effect of which will be their exclusion from temporary registration on the basis that they are living in Ireland with specific reference to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilidare; if he intends to take any action to alleviate this discrimination; if his attention has been drawn to the qualifications of this person; if he expects to have the difficulty resolved in view of her application for British citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: In the case to which the Deputy refers, the applicants' eligibility for temporary registration was considered in accordance with the statutory criteria under which the Medical Council operates. The applicant failed to satisfy the council that she was eligible for temporary registration in accordance with those criteria and was so advised by the council. I am not sure what the Deputy's point is in relation to the applicant living in Ireland. I can advise him, however, that one of the statutory criteria is that a person must be in the State temporarily for the purpose of employment in the practice of medicine in an approved hospital.

The person in question had first applied for full registration. One of the requirements of the council for full registration is EC nationality. If the applicant can satisfy the council that she has acquired citizenship of an EC member state, she will be eligible to take a written examination for full registration. I am satisfied that there is no evidence of discrimination against this person. The manner in which her application for permission to practice medicine in this country was dealt with by the council was in accordance with the relevant statute and the council's own rules.

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