Michael Healy-Rae
Question:586 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no overall regulation of the cosmetic industry in Ireland. [21566/12]
View answerTuesday, 1 May 2012
Questions (510)
Written answers
Officials of my Department are currently working on the Licensing of Health Facilities Bill which will provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health service providers. The legislative proposals are being prepared broadly in line with recommendations made by the Madden Commission in 2008 and are designed to improve patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers do not operate below core standards which are applied in a consistent and systematic way. The intention is to have a proportionate system which has the confidence of the public. Standards and other requirements will be enforceable through inspection and imposition of sanctions as necessary. Licensing will be targeted at areas which are not currently subject to regulation. It is expected that outline proposals for the new system of licensing should be finalised by year end. In the meantime I am making arrangements to put better information in place for people who are planning to undergo cosmetic surgery in Ireland.