Vol. 541 No. 2
566 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a recent survey carried out in which two thirds of doctors surveyed here believe that a Shipman type case could occur here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/01]
The Medical Council is the authority responsible for the provision of registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of medicine under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978. The council protects the interests of the public when dealing with registered medical practitioners. The principal roles of the council include assuring the quality of undergraduate education and postgraduate training, registering doctors, disciplinary procedures and providing guidance on professional standards and ethical conduct.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, is currently under review. The review being carried out takes into consideration various developments in the medical field and the role of the Medical Council. The revised Medical Practitioners Act will take account of the concerns raised by various interest groups.
In addition, the Medical Council has made significant progress towards the introduction of competency standards for Irish doctors. The council has recently appointed a director of competence assurance who will work with the Medical Council, the professional training bodies and an external reviewer. I understand that the detail will be developed in close consultation with the key stakeholders, including doctors and their representatives, and they will be engaged in both a formal and informal manner in developing the competency assessment structures.
