Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014
718. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the procedure in the Irish Medical Council whereby those on the board are persons who previously worked in the medical establishments to whom persons are often making complaints; and how he proposes to make it more accountable and transparent. [22164/14]
View answerMembership of the Medical Council is determined by Section 17 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, ensuring that there is a lay majority on the Council and I am confident that the composition of the Council allows the Council to operate its functions in a diligent, fair and competent manner in all aspects. Members of the Council have been chosen because of the range of knowledge, skills and competencies which they bring to the Council and which are essential in helping the Council to perform its functions effectively.
In addition, the Council complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and has set out procedures for addressing conflict of interest in accordance with the Code of Practice. This includes each member of the Council furnishing details relating to his/her employment and all business or professional interests that could involve a conflict or interest or could materially influence the member in relation to the performance of his/her functions as a member of the Council. Details of interests disclosed are kept by the Secretary to the Council in a special confidential register and are updated on an annual basis.
I am therefore satisfied that the Council is operating in an accountable and transparent fashion and in keeping with codes of ethics and best practice.
