Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that any medical practitioner who provides a medical report in respect of a claim is registered under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978. We need to consult with the Chief Parliamentary Counsel on this matter. With regard to Senator Norris's point about receiving reports from abroad, if a foreign national on holidays here is treated at home, for example in Germany, would this amendment mean the PIAB could not accept a report from that person's doctor in Germany? We need legal advice on this also.

There is an independent medical panel and all its members are registered. Professor Denis Cusack, a medical expert, is on the board. If a medical report from a claimant is incomplete the assessors may refer the claimant to an independent medical examiner. The PIAB will always ensure that medical practitioners who provide reports are appropriately qualified. We will be returning to this issue in the Lower House. I ask Senator Henry to withdraw her amendment on those grounds.