The question asked by the Deputy relates to two distinctly separate issues. Under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, the Medical Council is the body statutorily charged with the registration of medical practitioners. In order to ensure patient care and safety it is necessary for the council to be absolutely certain of the suitability of a medical practitioner to be registered. In order to do this the Medical Council must satisfy itself as to the qualifications and good standing of any applicant for registration. Although it is regrettable that certain asylum seekers cannot provide the required documentary evidence of their qualifications and good standing, the council must insist on the provision of appropriate evidence that these requirements are met in the interests of patient safety.
I understand from the Medical Council that it is currently dealing with two such applications from persons seeking asylum in Ireland, which cannot be processed due to non-receipt of confirmation that the doctors in question are in good standing. The Medical Council has advised me that it is also dealing with another from a person seeking asylum in Austria, and is awaiting verification of documentation.
The second part of the Deputy's question relates to the Medical Practitioner's (Amendment) Act, 2002, enacted in May 2002, and the draft rules to be prepared by the Medical Council in this regard. The amendment Act and the rules relate primarily to medical practitioners who are temporarily registered and who wish to apply for full registration. These rules are currently being finalised. However, the Deputy should be aware that implementation of the new rules will not affect the position of doctors in this situation.
Question No. 573 answered with Question No. 483.
