Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

While I support Senator Ryan's call for a debate on self-regulation, unlike him, I believe the public interest is enhanced rather than hindered or handicapped by it. I sit on the Medical Council representing the public interest. The medical profession takes the issue of self-regulation seriously and is honoured and privileged to be self-regulated. The medical practitioners (amendment) Bill will be before the House in the next 12 months when it will be seen that self-regulation is taken seriously, particularly by the medical profession. The other professions mentioned by Senator Ryan feel the same way about self-regulation.