Bernard Allen
Ceist:422 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to introduce the Opticians (Amendment) Bill. [20988/01]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
Government approval was given in March 2000 for the drafting of a Bill to amend to the Opticians Act, 1956. The proposed amendments include the deregulation of the sale of ready made reading glasses, and provision for the administration of medical preparations in certain situations by registered opticians. The position is that the heads of the Bill have been sent to the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to the Government and a drafter was assigned. However, some professional issues which required discussion with the relevant bodies significantly delayed the publication of the Bill. The Bill will be progressed as soon as possible, taking account of priorities in the Government's overall legislative programme.