Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Physiotherapy Services.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

258 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale for a proposal which would confine the title of physical therapist exclusively to chartered physiotherapists in legislation in preparation; if his attention has been drawn to the negative implications of such a move on the livelihoods of those working as physical therapists who are not members of the Irish Association of Chartered Physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16995/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

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 professionals 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", that is, 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.