David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As with Deputy Shortall, it has been highlighted to me by a number of professionals working in this field that there is a very small number of specialists in the State operating in some of these areas. We see this in a number of unique specialist areas where it can be difficult to recruit as there are very few of them. This amendment seeks to provide AHRRA, the assisted human reproduction regulatory authority, with the authority to recognise other equivalent specialists trained at a different level, as may be appropriate.

I need to point out that this does not open the door to any non-specialist practitioners to practice in the area without approval from AHRRA, which is the important point. It is a similar point to that made by Deputy Shortall. I hope the Minister will engage with us on this amendment.

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