Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

It is important that we look seriously at a reduction in their working hours and try to facilitate them. We should think somewhat more creatively outside the box about employment as well. I find it amazing that we will lose so many top quality people and that we are spending so much money training people we will not use. We must look at the cost-effectiveness of this also.

The main objectives of the Medical Practitioners Bill are to provide for a modern, efficient, transparent and accountable system for the regulation of the medical profession, which will satisfy the public and the profession, and to ensure that all medical practitioners are appropriately qualified and competent to practise in a safe manner on an ongoing basis. The Bill's ethos is a very important statement because professionalism and competency are crucial. The view of the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association has been very positive in this regard, although it has some concerns about the Bill.

Despite some reservations, the medical profession has welcomed the Bill, as published. It supports the Minister in her desire to have the Medical Practitioners Act 1978 replaced by a more modern and comprehensive legislative framework. However, the profession, including hospital consultants, is united in its concern regarding a limited number of the Bill's aspects. I raise this on their behalf because I am due to meet some consultants on Monday. I do not know how many of the northside Deputies have been invited to the meeting. I repeat that it is important for the Minister to engage with the consultants and not just pick a row with them for the sake of hype in the run-up to the election.

Section 7 outlines the functions of the Medical Council, which relate to the registration of medical practitioners, the regulation of their education and training at all levels and matters relating to the recognition of their qualifications. That is a vitally important matter. As we consider the educational requirements of general practitioners, let us go after young people in secondary schools and colleges who want to be doctors and to work in the service, not necessarily people with 700 or 800 points in the leaving certificate. This is something that should be borne mind regarding teachers as well. I recall when the famous call to training was in practice that, as well as getting a significant number of honours in the leaving certificate, the applicant had to be interviewed by psychologists, child care personnel, etc, to see whether he or she was suitable to work with children. Now the criterion is points, so the Minister should ensure that the right people are going into the health professions, whether as nurses or GPs.

I welcome this opportunity for a broader debate on health. If the Minister really wants to do something about the health service, it requires three measures — reform, investment and extra beds.

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