Vol. 569 No. 3
121 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from the Irish society of physiotherapists regarding their concerns in relation to the sports related provisions of the forthcoming Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2003; if he has suggestions or comments on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16202/03]
I have received correspondence from the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists regarding their concerns in relation to aspects of the forthcoming Health and Social Care Professionals Bill.
Action 105 of the health strategy commits my Department to strengthening and expanding provisions for statutory registration of health professionals.
In this context the heads of a Bill establishing this system of statutory registration for health and social care professionals, including physiotherapists, have been approved by Government and a Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel based on the proposals outlined in the heads. The Health and Social Care Professionals 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. My Department will keep the society informed of developments in due course.
