Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Medical Qualifications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

266 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the situation where the European Commission has decided to challenge Ireland's failure to bring into law a change which modifies the list of specialist doctors' diplomas recognised throughout the European Union in view of the fact this amendment was due to have been brought in on 13 June 1999 to recognise, among other areas, clinical neuro-physiology; and the response, if any, he has made to the Commission's demand for an explanation for its failure to introduce the amendment. [3089/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

267 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has been in discussions with the Medical Council regarding the recognition of clinical neuro-physiology as a recognised speciality; and if he has received a request from the council to have this speciality included on the specialist register. [3090/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

279 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the situation whereby the European Commission has decided to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice in view of its failure to implement an amendment to a directive allowing mutual recognition of doctors' qualifications in occupational medicine, an amendment which was brought into law over a year ago. [3102/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 266, 267 and 279 together.

I have been informed by the Medical Council that the EU directive relating to the recognition of doctors' qualifications in occupational medicine has been adopted. My Department is still involved in discussions with the Medical Council with regard to the recognition of the specialty of neuro-physiology.