James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will deal first with Deputy Conway's issue. I am aware the Deputy was formerly a social worker. I am sure the Deputy is equally aware I was a GP for 25 years. As such, I can speak at a personal level about this issue. I removed my name from the medical register for the reasons outlined by the Deputy, namely, I did not believe I could do my current job and also maintain my continual professional development and standards. I, therefore, withdrew from the medical register. If I wish to re-register, I will have to retrain. What that retraining will entail, I am not sure. The Medical Council will determine that to ensure that I am a fit person to treat the public again. The same will apply to social workers and any other profession in this area. We are all agreed that it is unlikely that a person involved full time in politics for a long time will maintain his or her skill set.