Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The gravity of the provisions as set out in this Bill are all the more real when one considers that after Friday the UK could, although unlikely, be considered one of the so-called third countries referred to in the Bill. Tonight will tell a lot in that regard. The movement of health professionals between the UK and Ireland is significant and if the reporting or monitoring of medical professionals is no longer regulated, steps must be taken immediately to ensure best practice in this country.

It is imperative that patients have every confidence in their healthcare professionals and access to information pertaining to fitness to practice ensures that. However if healthcare workers feel aggrieved by a decision it is only fair that there is an appeals process in place. Fianna Fáil agrees that an appeal to the High Court provision should form part of this Bill.

In terms of the disciplinary investigative process, it is important that a solid, transparent structure is in place. We therefore welcome the fact that the chief executive officer, CEO, of both the Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Board will assume responsibility from the proceedings committee and an authorised officer will process and investigate complaints against members. The additional controls bestowed upon this authorised officer will compel information, as required, to enable completion of his or her report for the relevant CEO. It is also expected that this process will hasten the disciplinary procedure, given that the authorised officer will no longer need to refer to the proceedings committee for direction.

It is welcome that section 39 would be deleted under this Bill. With 479 consultant vacancies, it could be argued that the need to provide a certificate of experience was hampering the recruitment process. The introduction of a new register of interns is also welcome as it provides a clear account of a medical practitioner's credentials.

Clarity is needed at this time and this Bill goes some way in providing that.

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