asked the Minister for Health if he has received any representation from ophthalmic and dispensing opticians in respect of difficulties which might arise through freedom of establishment on joining the EEC; and if he will make a statement on the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians.
40.
Draft directives relating to freedom of movement of opticians in the EEC have been before the Council since 1969. As the drafts were prepared on the basis of the then existing situation in the six member states they will necessarily have to be amended to take account of the situation in the enlarged Community. My Department has maintained close liaison with both Bord na Radharcmhastóirí and the Association of Ophthalmic Opticians and has submitted to the Council, in agreement with these bodies, a formal request for consultation in the matter.
Until the final form of the drafts emerges it will not be possible to say with any absolute precision what the implications for Ireland will be. In the consultations with the Community an important objective will be to ensure that the directives will not, in their final form, create any undue difficulties for Irish opticians.