Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have stated my interest in this area from the outset. I am totally supportive of the need to retain X-ray facilities for chiropractors. I say this because there is an obvious need to keep the highest possible standards and to have qualifications of international repute. The degree of training must be observed and updated in line with international standards. Safety regulations must apply with X-rays at all times. I strongly urge that in all cases, high standards must apply and there must be a level playing pitch.

As the Chairman knows, I have on many times in the past criticised the existence of waiting lists for virtually everything in the country but particularly in the health service. One does not have to wait very long for an X-ray by a chiropractor, which is very beneficial for the patient. Nobody else seems to worry about such things but the patient is most concerned about that. A patient can go to a chiropractor and have an X-ray and result within ten minutes. That does not happen in most other places. It could and probably should happen but it does not. I, therefore, strongly support an effort to ensure the full degree of services already available through chiropractors continue to be made available, including X-rays. This can happen if the adequate qualifications apply to ensure patient and practitioner safety with regard to ionising radiation.