Vol. 537 No. 4
99 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the recent decision by the European Commission to scrap its advisory committee on medical training; and the discussions he has had with the Commission before and since this decision was made. [16381/01]
Changes for the reform of the advisory committees structure under the Simpler Legislation in the Internal Market Initiative have been proposed. While changes have been proposed for some time, the Commission has been, as part of a wider review, developing a communication on new European labour markets.
Reforms proposed for the Advisory Committee on Medical Training are viewed by the Medical Council with concern. It is the view of the Medical Council that acceptance of these proposals would mean that the competent authorities for the regulation of medicine in the EU would have no means to address issues such as training, standards of quality or regulatory mechanisms.
I have received correspondence from the Medical Council. Ireland has already made its objections to the original proposals known. The European Commission is preparing a consultation document on proposed changes in the current directives dealing with these issues. This document will be carefully considered in association with the Medical Council. Following consideration, it is intended that a response will be forthcoming which will outline a coherent approach for medical regulation across the EU. This will be submitted to the Commission.
