Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for attending. I do not know which one of them was on my local radio station this morning, but I heard it stated that, after being involved in his practice for one year, he could call himself a surgeon. That is a scary thought, particularly as such a doctor does not have to have his name included in the list of specialists. What type of insurance is required for someone to open a cosmetic surgery clinic? Has anyone been found guilty of malpractice in this country in recent times? I refer to therapists, nurses, dentists and doctors in this regard.

How many breast implant procedures are carried out in this country each year? Are complaints made and, if so, to whom are they made? If a particular procedure is botched, is there anywhere to which the person involved can go for emergency surgery?

I am really concerned about the fitting of gastric bands which people seem to think can provide a quick fix in dealing with weight issues. They are high-risk devices which could result in people dying. Are many such operations carried out in Ireland?

I accept that many of the procedures under discussion relate to the lifestyle choices people make. For example, there are many individuals who may wish to have cosmetic surgery performed on their eyes, forehead, chin, nose, etc. However, the stories one hears about such procedures are frightening and we must alert people to what is happening. The sooner we get things up and running the better.