asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that persons are entering this country from abroad and setting themselves up as ophthalmic opticians to the detriment of Irish practitioners; and, if so, what steps he proposes taking to protect the industry and to ensure that the highest standards of efficiency and competency are maintained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmic Opticians.
I am not aware that any number of persons sufficient to have any significant effect on the interests of Irish practitioners has entered the country in recent years to set up here as ophthalmic opticians.
The public should by now be well aware that their best safeguard in regard to the supply and fitting of spectacles is to deal only with opticians who are known to them or are known in their localities, and that the more reputable opticians do not advertise individually. In these circumstances, I do not feel that any action on my part is called for.