Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Joe Costello

Question:

80 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects to decide on the scope and format of the proposed inquiry into practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, arising from the report of the Medical Council into the activities of a person (details supplied); when the promised Medical Practitioners Bill will be published and enacted to help prevent such cases and when necessary to allow cases such as this to be investigated on a more satisfactory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27550/03]

Michael Ring

Question:

92 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Medical Practitioners Bill will be before Dáil Éireann. [27412/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 92 together.

On 23 September and 23 October 2003 I met representatives from Patient Focus and listened carefully to the views expressed by the group. Arising from these discussions, and in light of the recent report and findings of the Medical Council, I accept that a further inquiry is required in this case. I am considering a number of options in relation to the scope and format of such an inquiry, and I will be meeting again with Patient Focus shortly to review progress.

Heads of Bill for significant and wide-ranging amendments to the Medical Practitioners Act are now being completed. It is expected that this will be placed before the Cabinet in December of this year. Once cleared by the Cabinet, work will proceed on expanding on the provisions as set out in the heads of Bill, with a view to presenting the Bill to the Dáil during 2004.

Many of the proposed changes will be introduced in order to deal more effectively with cases such as that referred to. Protection of the public will be an explicit function of the Medical Council, reinforced by more streamlined fitness to practice procedures, and greater transparency through increased lay membership. It is also planned to require all doctors in independent practice to be participants in a competence assurance scheme, which will include keeping abreast of medical developments and peer review. This will strengthen accountability of clinicians, as will various other measures relating to the council, such as publishing of the register, a strategy, an audit and annual report. I am confident that this amending legislation will significantly reduce the risks of rogue doctors going undetected and continuing in practice, and it will usher in worthwhile improvements in many aspects of medical regulation in Ireland.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 77.