Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the previous speakers. I wonder whether section 90 could be brought into play here in the grandparenting section where if we change the name to "podiatrist", could chiropody be brought into line by upgrading the qualification? Having listened to my colleague, Senator Dooley, I can understand that those who have been practising for many years may not want to do that and I do not know how they would fit in. Younger chiropodists might welcome an opportunity to come in under a different umbrella of podiatry by upgrading their skills. The grandparenting provisions under section 90 might just come into play in that regard, bearing in mind that the Minister stated the following in the House last week:

Section 90 sets out grandparenting arrangements for those practitioners currently in practice. It is intended that all persons currently qualified to work in the public health service will meet the standard required for registration. Where practitioners do not possess the required qualification, they will be given an opportunity to undergo an assessment to demonstrate competence.