Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I must be careful, it is a slip of the tongue. I also have difficulty with the word "draft" as I occasionally mistakenly use the word "daft" instead in the House.

Until now, I did not understand the implications of an issue which arises with regard to the physiotherapy profession. As Senator Henry noted, 92 countries have determined that the titles "physiotherapist" and "physical therapist" have the same meaning. This is also the case in Northern Ireland and Britain where regulations have been introduced on the matter.

Section 94(3) provides that the Minister may prescribe one or more than one title as a variant of a title specified in the legislation. The titles of physiotherapist and physical therapist create a specific difficulty in that both have the same meaning in most parts of the world. In Ireland, however, physiotherapists have qualifications and a university degree, whereas the title of physical therapist applies to those practitioners who do not have professional qualifications. This presents difficulties to patients been treated by physical therapists who have found to their surprise that their claims are not accepted by BUPA or VHI. This difficulty will not be easily resolved by the legislation in its current form. The provision of section 94(3) allowing for regulation of the matter at a later stage is insufficient. The Bill should define physiotherapists to include physical therapists because unless the latter title is included in and regulated by legislation the public will continue to be misled.

I was impressed by Senator Glynn's deeply held concerns regarding activities by a person which verge on criminality. The issue I raise is entirely unrelated and arises from confusion. It should be addressed in the Bill rather than by regulation at a later stage. The objective of the Tánaiste and Minster for Health and Children and the Minister of State in her Department, Deputy O'Malley, is to frame good legislation. During the forthcoming debates in the House amendments will be introduced to improve the Bill, including one to address the matter I have discussed.