Vol. 554 No. 5
975 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the long delay between the date of enactment of the emergency amendment to the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Act, 2002 in May 2002 and the introduction of regulations arising from the amendment. [15773/02]
1056 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the position regarding the implementation of legislation on the rules for non-EU doctors applying for full registration; and the discussions he has had with the Medical Council regarding the implementation of the legislation. [16152/02]
The Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Act, 2002, was enacted on 1 May 2002. This Act required the Medical Council to draft new rules governing applications for full registration on the general register of medical practitioners. These rules have been drafted by the Medical Council under the provisions of the Act and these have been submitted by the council to me for approval.
Following their careful consideration in my Department, I have recently written to the council seeking clarification on certain specific points. As these rules will have important consequences for the registration of doctors in this country, I wish to ensure that I am fully satisfied in relation to their appropriateness. I understand that arrangements are being made to meet with the Medical Council in this regard and I expect these rules to be finalised following these discussions.
