Vol. 552 No. 1
416 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has refused to co-operate with the Medical Council in providing it with a substantial report outlining in detail the legal implications of competence assurance. [12034/02]
The Deputy's information is incorrect. Officials of my Department met representatives of the Medical Council on 26 February 2002 to brief them on proposals with regard to the updating of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978. The meeting also discussed proposals regarding a scheme for competence assurance for doctors. The council's representatives were presented with a copy of a report of a review, undertaken at my request, of the application of competence assurance law in jurisdictions comparable to Ireland. My Department and the Medical Council will continue to liaise regarding this important matter.
