Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Members of the public must be informed of this legislation through press releases and public relations exercises. Those who drafted the Bill should be proud of it, as well as those who will see it through to enactment.

The issue of identity between physiotherapists and physical therapists needs to be addressed. Senators were contacted by the school of physiotherapy which believes that the term "physical therapist", as is used in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and the US, should be used in the context of a physiotherapist. It means one and the same thing in other jurisdictions but it does not in this State. The international organisation of physiotherapists would also like to see the two terms recognised as meaning the same thing.

I am in no way demeaning the role of physical therapists as they do excellent work. I have seen their scope of practice which is excellent and no Member is seeking to damage their livelihoods or practices. From speaking to physiotherapists, they want to work hand-in-hand with physical therapists. They see the need for them but under a different title and I suggest those who drafted this legislation could rejig the name "physical therapist".

I look forward to the Bill's progress through the House. Minor items that were tinkering around the edges of the medical practitioners Acts and the nurses Acts have been put right in this Bill, particularly on the issue of fitness to practise measures and the health committee.