asked the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce legislation to provide for registration of professional groups presently not registered working in the health services, if there has been a change in policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Professional Groups Registration Legislation.
88.
I do not propose to introduce legislation to provide for formal statutory registration for professional groups working in the health services which are not at present subject to statutory controls.
The Deputy will be aware that a proposal for legislation of this kind has been under consideration in my Department for some time. Over the last year, I have had a review carried out to determine whether the protection of the public health could be guaranteed by introducing the proposed legislative measures. The conclusion was that the measure could not, for a variety of reasons, guarantee the achievement of its prime objective; the protection of the public from unqualified practitioners. Moreover, having considered alternative measures, I am satisfied that the controls which the professions wish to bring about, especially in the areas of their education and training, can be introduced without legislative backing. I therefore decided not to proceed with the drafting of legislation which would entail an unjustifiable investment of time and manpower.
I met with the ad-hoc committee which represents all the relevant professions on 8 December and advised them of the change of policy. I assured the committee by my continuing concern and involvement with the professions and advised them that officials of my Department will be available to afford them advice and assistance in establishing appropriate non-statutory mechanisms to enable them to overcome any difficulties relating to their professional identities and practice. To this end, I have already arranged for discussions at official level with those professional groups which have immediate problems. I would envisage adopting a similar approach with the remaining groups, as the need arises.