Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 991: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation regulating the cosmetic surgery industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24017/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of cosmetic surgeons is provided for under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. Under that Act, medical practitioners, including cosmetic surgeons, who practise medicine in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council, which has responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. In addition, my Department is developing legislative proposals to amend the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to make it mandatory for all medical practitioners engaged in clinical practice to have clinical indemnity cover in place. The new provisions will enable the Medical Council to refuse to grant registration to a medical practitioner who fails to provide certification that he or she has appropriate medical indemnity cover. In a separate initiative, my Department is developing legislative proposals for the licensing of public and private health care providers and licensing of cosmetic surgery is being considered in this context.

I would also stress that people who avail of the services of doctors performing cosmetic surgery should ideally discuss this decision in advance with their general practitioners and should endeavour to seek the services of reputable providers. When invasive procedures are being arranged, people would be strongly advised to check that the services are provided by a medical practitioner who is appropriately registered with the Medical Council. Before agreeing to undergo any procedure, people should also ascertain the level of follow-up medical support which will be available to them after surgery.