Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

When I was here last, I made the point that the Bill was not the legislative mechanism through which the three named drugs would be allowed; they would be allowed through amendments to medicinal regulations. The Bill removes the absolute prohibition on the utilisation of some drugs by optometrists included in the parent Act.

From the outset we recognised that unanimity on the issue of the use of drugs by optometrists would be difficult to achieve. There has been much consultation and discussion on the issue, both with the Opticians Board and the College of Ophthalmologists. While considerable ground was given during the consultations, this has not been acknowledged – even by the groups involved. There are those who believe we should have a restrictive approach and those who want to see an even more liberal approach. While we have attempted to achieve a balance, it has not been easy given the strong positions taken by both sides.