Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before the witnesses start answering those questions, perhaps they might refer to the definitions of practitioner and referrer because they seem to be central to the issue with regard to being a practitioner who is entitled to refer for X-rays. As has been mentioned, in 2002 the Department undertook to include chiropractors in the regulation, but 16 years later this has not happened. Perhaps the witnesses will explain how that could have happened. Is there statutory regulation for chiropractors in the other countries that have been mentioned? Is Ireland different from other countries in that it does not have a process for statutory regulation? Are chiropractors acting as radiologists and radiographers in the process of taking X-rays, or are they referrer, radiographer and radiologist in the process at present, whereby some chiropractors have access to X-ray facilities?

We have had a lot of questions from five different members but perhaps the witnesses will take them as they wish.