Vol. 554 No. 5
960 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received documentation from the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to its concerns regarding the EU directive which will restrict doctors', rights to move freely and work within the EU; the action he intends to take in relation to this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15690/02]
1017 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will seek the amendment of the EU Commission proposed directive, COM (2002) 119 final, in line with the concerns expressed by the IMO and other European doctor organisations. [15894/02]
1048 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Medical Organisation has expressed many doubts and reservations about the proposed directive COM (2002) 119 final; if he agrees with the views it has expressed; if he has raised the matter with any of his EU counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16075/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 960, 1017 and 1048 together.
I am aware of the EU Commission's proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications. My Department is in ongoing consultation with the relevant regulatory bodies, other Government Departments, the representatives of other member states and the EU Commission regarding the proposal. The Department of Education and Science is the lead Department in these negotiations and my Department has raised a number of concerns regarding the proposal both with that Department and directly with the EU Commission. My officials will continue to monitor the progress of the proposal, to consult with the relevant bodies and to raise relevant concerns regarding the proposal with the Commission.
