Skip to main content
Normal View

EU Directives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018

Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Questions (152)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

152. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to include chiropractors as a regulated profession; if his attention has been drawn to the way in which the Euratom directive is being implemented in other EU states; if he has had discussions with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8939/18]

View answer

Written answers

This questions relates to the transposition of the medical provisions of the Basic Safety Standards Directive (BSSD) by my Department and whether chiropractors will be designated as referrers and practitioners in the transposing regulations. The previous regulations did not designate chiropractors as referrers or practitioners.   

Ionising radiation has many beneficial applications however as the use of ionising radiation increases, so does the potential for health hazards if not properly used or contained.  The BSSD is an essential piece of legislation which protects the public, patients, workers and others from all forms of ionising radiation.  

The statutory instrument transposing the BSSD will designate those who may refer for radiological tests, those who may carry them out and other functions and in this regard I propose to designate nurses, doctors, dentists and radiographers as appropriate.  The proposed designation of relevant professionals is based on patient safety and public health considerations reflected in the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.  

Information available to my Department suggests that a number of EU Member States do not propose to designate chiropractors for the purpose of the BSSD.

The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has overall responsibility for the transposition of the BSSD and officials from my Department are in regular contact with that Department regarding the transposition.

My Department will finalise the medical provisions of the BSSD in the coming weeks.

Top
Share