Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take seriously the Deputy's suggestions and I will reflect on them. However, the Medical Council is the regulator of our doctors. It is important for our citizens and patients to know that there is no suggestion - the Deputy Donnelly has not suggested it - that these doctors who are not on the specialist register are not fully qualified in medicine. This important point has been highlighted by the Medical Council.

I will make a decision on the issue of mandating the HSE to inform patients based on the report that I will receive on the project being undertaken, which is due to conclude next month.

At that time, I will also take an opportunity to engage with the Medical Council. The Joint Committee on Health might wish to engage with the HSE and the Medical Council as well to see how best we can square this circle.

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