Deputy McManus mentioned the mysterious ways of the Medical Council, to which we should pay more attention. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would send me a brief on the role and powers of the Medical Council. Is that agreed?
Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages.
SECTION 1.
Question proposed: "That section 1 stand part of the Bill."
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 2 to 6, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 7.
Question proposed: "That section 7 stand part of the Bill."
The section amends section 29 of the Principal Act by inserting two new paragraphs. Section 29(b)(2) states, “the total of all periods of temporary registration must not exceed 7 years”. How was seven years arrived at?
That provision was amended last year when the period was increased from five to seven years.
Why seven years?
To facilitate those who are entering the country to work towards permanent registration. The amendment was made as a result of consultations last year.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 8 and 9 agreed to.
SECTION 10.
Question proposed: "That section 10 stand part of the Bill."
Will the Minister of State outline the content of section 27 of the Principal Act?
The section refers to persons entitled to be registered. Every person's name and date of entry is entered in the register. It is a technical provision. For example, it relates to a national of a member state who has been awarded a qualification in medicine by a competent body or authority and satisfies the council he or she has undergone courses and training and passed examinations. The provision is confined to education and training and does not take account of experience, which is what we are trying to address in the section.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 11 and 12 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.
Sitting suspended at 3.25 p.m. and resumed at 3.30 p.m.