Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I see from where Deputy Lawless is coming but the legislation turns the practice in this area on its head. The Bill provides for a single point at which one applies for a licence but there will be ongoing inspections in that regard. There may have previously been issues with compliance but a different approach to regulation was taken until now. We now have a graded approach relating to use and risk, which are assessed. As I stated in reply to Deputy Stanley, a process will be agreed between the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, and the EPA in that regard. One must remember that there is ongoing training, registration and monitoring of these professions. We are discussing radiation, radiation sources and equipment, which will be addressed by ongoing inspection. We are trying to get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy, which causes duplication. Either one is competent to use this equipment or one is not. The equipment and paperwork will be inspected on an ongoing basis. Practitioners must also register with their professional body, which will ensure they are competent to operate the equipment.

I had a note drafted in response to amendment No. 10 and to assist the Deputy I will read it into the record. The Government opposes the amendment proposed by Deputy Lawless on the reasons of cost and efficiency. The purpose of the new graded approach to authorisation introduced by the Bill is to ensure a reduction in the administrative, regulatory and financial burden on both the competent------