Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

It is important to deal with the constructive criticisms put forward by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists which is very concerned that the protection of patients is not being afforded the paramount importance it deserves by the protection of both titles, "physical therapist" and "physiotherapist". The society has furnished to me a copy of its position statement which outlines the reasons its members believe this Bill must be amended to protect the public and avoid confusion when choosing a health practitioner. To the horror of ISCP members, its original position paper was passed to the Institute of Physical Therapy where it was altered and recirculated to all Deputies as the institute's own document. The ISCP is very concerned that Members are deliberately confused and misled on a very important issue. The ISCP has written to the institute to express its outrage at what has occurred. As a professional body representing health care professionals, the society is most concerned at this underhand way of presenting information.

The impression is given of a battle between the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, ISCP, and the Institute of Physical Therapy. This could not be further from the truth. When the ISCP refers to physical therapists it is not just referring to those who attended the institute in Stillorgan for lessons but also to all other physical therapists who have completed courses elsewhere.

The National Training Authority, Park House, Cabinteely, runs a home study course in physical therapy consisting of 24 lessons. No hands-on clinical practice is included and all teaching is carried out by means of manuals posted out to students. Having completed the 24 lessons, the newly qualified physical therapist can set up in private practice, without ever sitting an examination or seeing a patient. This is the reason the ISCP is so passionate about protecting the titles of "physical therapist" and "physiotherapist" for those individuals who are eligible for membership of the ISCP and have completed a university degree course. It would be remiss of the society not to care about protecting the patient. Its members are health care professionals with a genuine interest in patient care, safety and well-being and it will do all in its power to ensure patients are not exposed to inferior treatment.

The ISCP has no issue with those calling themselves "physical therapists" but it insists that if the public is to be protected and confusion avoided, the use of the title "physical therapist" must be changed to a title less similar to the title "physiotherapist". I commend the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists for expressing its views and its president, Esther Mary Darcy, for informing Members of the House on this issue.

Section 11 of the Bill provides for the council to appoint a chief executive officer to carry out the management and administration of the council and registration boards and to act as the registrar of each registration board and perform any other duties determined by the council. The chief executive officer holds office under conditions of remuneration and allowances that may be determined by the council with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance. I encourage the Minister of State to be flexible and creative in the appointment of the chief executive.

Part 3 of the Bill deals with the establishment of registration boards. The bodies are established on their prospective establishment days to perform the functions and exercise the powers assigned under this Act to the registration board of the designated profession.

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