Bernard Allen
Ceist:328 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to increase the number of lay appointees to the Medical Council. [13577/03]
Written Answers. - Appointments to Medical Council.
Under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978, the Medical Council is the independent authority charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners. There are currently three lay members sitting on the Medical Council. The aim of the Medical Council is to protect the public through appropriate regulation of the medical profession.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am carrying out a review of the current Medical Practitioners Act with the aim of updating it to meet the requirements of today's health service. As part of this review, consultations have been carried out to fully inform the process of drafting the new legislation. I have previously stated my intention to ensure greater public interest representation on the council, and this is a matter which will be dealt with in the context of drafting the heads of Bill for the new Act.