Bernard Allen
Ceist:354 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to introduce new regulations to govern the standards and registration of cosmetic surgery clinics. [13051/00]
Written Answers. - Cosmetic Surgery.
The regulation of cosmetic surgery is not provided for by law and there is, therefore, no legislative framework within which I, as Minister for Health and Children, could issue guidelines on the matter which would be binding on the parties involved.
The Medical Council is the statutory body established to provide for the registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of medicine under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978. Doctors are required to be registered with the council before they can practice medicine in Ireland. However, practitioners are free to provide services for the public as long as they do not represent themselves as being registered medical practitioners.
Doctors practising in the public health service are registered with the Medical Council. Persons who avail of health services outside of the public health system should endeavour to seek the services of reputable organisations. In cases where persons are dissatisfied with the service provided by such organisations, redress can be sought through civil law. I will continue to keep this area under review.