asked the Minister for Health the number of trained chiropodists in Ireland; if any facilities exist for providing training courses in chiropody in Ireland and, if so, if he will give details; and if he has received any complaints that trained chiropodists are denied the right to practice in the service of the health boards because they do not belong to a particular association and, if so, the action he has taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trained Chiropodists.
48.
In the absence of a system of registration it is not possible to state definitely the number of trained chiropodists in Ireland. There are no recognised training facilities here.
I have received representations from persons who wish to be employed as chiropodists by health boards and I have indicated to them the current policy in relation to such employment.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that there are a number of chiropodists who are denied the right to work for the health boards because an organisation has been set up and because they do not comply with the regulations of this new organisation they are being discriminated against? These are people who are experienced and qualified but because a group sets itself up as a body, a college or an association those people are deprived of their right to practise in this country.
The Deputy is making a long statement.
It is a very important matter of discrimination against professional people who are qualified and experienced but who are denied the right to take up employment.
The Deputy must ask a question.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that that calls for immediate action?
As one who suffers from corns, I am very interested.
I am sorry Deputy Collins is not here to support me on this because he feels very strongly about this.
I would remind Deputy O'Connell that this is Question Time.
Can anything be done to eliminate this blatant form of discrimination?
Anything that can be done I will do it.
In the meantime must a particular person suffer and be denied the right to work in his or her own country.
That person will only have to suffer the shortest possible length of time.
The Deputy is expanding the subject matter contained in this question. I have given him a lot of latitude.
This is the question I asked.
I am aware of the question. The question is before me.
Have these people got statutory backing for their approach to the training of chiropodists?
There is no registration of chiropodists and, therefore, it is not possible to say.
While they have no statutory backing the health boards are supporting this organisation.