Vol. 515 No. 6
163 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the regulations, if any, which apply to practitioners offering advanced cosmetic surgery as advertised in newspapers, radio and television; the auditing and controls which apply; if unregistered practitioners from outside the EU are allowed to practice here; if these practitioners are regulated by the Medical Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/00]
176 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to allegations regarding the professional standing of a clinic (details supplied) in Dublin where unregistered practitioners are reported to be employed; the powers, if any, in relation to the regulation of such a clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6644/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 176 together.
The regulation of cosmetic surgery is not provided for by law and there is, therefore, no legislative framework within which I, as Minister for Health and Children, could issue guidelines on the matter which would be binding on the parties involved. The Medical Council is the statutory body established to provide for the registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of medicine under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978. Doctors are required to be registered with the council before they can practice medicine in Ireland. However, practitioners are free to provide services to the public as long as they do not represent themselves as being registered medical practitioners.
Doctors practising in the public health service are registered with the Medical Council. People who avail of health services outside of the public health system should endeavour to seek the services of reputable organisations. In cases where people are dissatisfied with the service provided, redress can be sought through civil law.
I will continue to keep this area under review.
