John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 5, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following:"(2G) Any person registered pursuant to this section shall be required to confine their practice to musculoskeletal therapy.".

This again relates to the issue of scope of practice. I would like to quote from a letter sent by the previous Minister for Health to the ISCP:

To ensure public protection, the board's code of professional conduct and ethics will oblige those registered under these provisions to act within the limits of their knowledge, skill, competence and experience. In other words, the new registrants will be required to confine their practice to musculoskeletal therapy.

That was the commitment given and the ISCP is looking for that to be included in the legislation. We have had meetings and it has been explained that "scope of practice" is never defined in primary legislation. However, it is important that people who seek any form of therapy are clear in their minds as to the exact level of competence of the person treating them. When professionals have a plate on their walls advertising a service, it is important that the public know exactly what that person can and cannot achieve for them. From that point of view, the legislation is not clear enough. The ISCP and IAPT need reassurance that this legislation will clearly define what "scope of practice" they can operate under and clarification about who will carry out a competency level assessment, who will have an input into it., and that the people who ultimately register are able to provide a safe service to the public. The reason for the amendment is a clear commitment was given in this regard but the legislation is not clear that what was promised has been followed through and there is a need to do substantial work to resolve this issue and to satisfy both parties with an interest in the legislation.