Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's intention and I am conscious that the Bill will go through to the Seanad, where will be another chance to have a look at this. From a technical point of view, this would be an accidental consequence of the amendment. It would also remove the express power to notify an employer when such a sanction is imposed and this approach would run contrary to the purpose of the Bill. None of the other amendments for consideration is attempting to remove these powers of notification in relation to the other regulated health professions so this amendment would treat dentists differently from all other health practitioners, though I accept that this is also not the rationale behind the amendment. For this reason, I cannot accept the amendment. On the broader point, however, the capacity to notify the HSE when a registrant has a sanction imposed on him or her outside the State is an important provision and, in the interest of equity, should apply to all health professions. I am not convinced of the case for not having such a provision but perhaps the Deputy and I could discuss it when the Bill goes to the Seanad, as well as the technical issues I have with the amendment.

Other provisions in the Bill require practitioners to make a declaration upon application for registration and every year after sanctions or convictions are applied outside the State. The Bill also provides the power for all five regulators to notify employers and the HSE of sanctions imposed in any country outside the State but this amendment would remove this power in the case of dentists. Public interest is always the test the regulators apply and both the Deputy and I agree with them on this. I am satisfied that the regulators understand the meaning of "public interest" but I am happy to tease the issue through further if the Deputy wishes to consider further amendments in the Seanad.

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