Michael Ring
Ceist:137 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to introduce legislation to regulate the practising of alternative medicine. [29377/01]
Written Answers. - Alternative Medicine.
I am committed to the introduction of a system of state regulation for alternative and complementary therapists who work in the area of health and social care. As a first step in this process, I convened a forum, which took place last June, to examine and explore the practical issues involved in preparing a system of registration for these practitioners. The Institute of Public Administration, which facilitated the forum, prepared a report on the discussions that took place on the day which was forwarded to the participants and other interested parties for consideration. I subsequently asked the Institute of Public Administration to prepare a report on proposals for the way forward. On receipt of this report, which I hope to obtain before the end of the year, I hope to be in a position to progress the issue further.