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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Physiotherapists Register.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

117 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce a register for qualified physiotherapists; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of standards in this area of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22115/99]

The question of statutory registration for allied health professionals is being actively dealt with by my Department at present. Heads of a Bill had been produced in 1996 following a consultative process and were circulated to each of the professional bodies. The responses to this document served to highlight the very real differences of opinion that exist between the professions on how such a registration scheme would operate. My Department has since been examining models of registration in other countries and expects to be in contact with the professional bodies again early next year with new proposals which will attempt to address these difficulties.

Officials of my Department have been in contact with the Irish Society for Chartered Physiotherapists only last month on the matter of statutory registration.

Any registration scheme would apply equally to both public and private practitioners, but a registration system for physiotherapists alone is not envisaged.

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