Vol. 511 No. 6
275 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Association of General Practitioners is taking legal advice on the possibility of testing the constitutionality of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978 and 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25003/99]
I am aware of recent media reports alluding to the possibility of the constitutionality of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, being chal lenged. I understand that this arises as a result of the way the Medical Council deals with complaints against doctors at present. However, the council has proposed that a separate health committee should in future adjudicate on health matters relating to doctors. This proposal has been widely welcomed by the profession and I hope to be able to include it in proposals to amend the Medical Practitioners Act.
