Vol. 568 No. 1
589 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed health and social care profession Bill 2003; and if he will consider a second title of physical therapist that will gain protection under the legislation. [15969/03]
Action 105 of the health strategy commits my Department to strengthening and expanding provisions for statutory registration of health professionals. In this context legislation is being prepared to establish a system of statutory registration for health and social care professions, including physiotherapy.
The heads of a Bill establishing this system of statutory registration for health and social care professionals have been approved by Government and a Bill is being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill is due to be published later this year.
Under these proposals, it is intended to protect the title of "physiotherapist". Only those professionals registered with the registration board for physiotherapists will be legally entitled to use the title "physiotherapist". In drafting the legislation, further advice and examination will be required of the many complex legal, competition and public interest issues that arise under the Bill, including in relation to protection of title.
