Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Registration of Medical Practitioners.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

285 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health if, following the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 29 January 1992, he is prepared to receive a deputation from doctors who are denied registration by the Medical Council to ascertain the position of doctors with qualifications from third countries; if he will take steps to ensure that doctors seeking registration with the Medical Council would be facilitated by the Departments of Labour, Justice and Health to gain the necessary permits to allow them to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The registration of medical practitioners is entirely a matter for the Medical Council. The Minister for Health has no functions in relation to the registration of individual doctors. There is no provision for an appeal to the Minister by persons dissatisfied with decisions of the council. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to meet doctors who are aggrieved by such decisions.

The question of the qualifications required before doctors can be registered to practice in Ireland is also a matter for the council.

My predecessor has already indicated in the reply referred to by the Deputy that the question of delays in issuing permits would be brought to the attention of the relevant Departments.