Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The Minister of State said something which bothers me, namely, that he had no such representations from the profession. I understood that I was representing the viewpoint of the profession on this issue. If it is not the viewpoint of the profession, we should think differently on the matter. I notice the Ministers of State have changed positions and I get the impression they are not in a position to accept the change because the argument against it is clear. We need to make this change, and I believe that if the Tánaiste were here she would accept it.

I agree with what Senator Dooley said. I would be happy if the Minister of State gave an indication that he would discuss the matter with the profession before Report Stage. If it is the case that we are misrepresenting the profession, I will back off straightaway. I do not think that is the case or else we have been seriously misled. Perhaps the scenario outlined by Senator Ryan can be dealt with in the Bill if people are purporting to pass themselves off as chiropodists while calling themselves something else or having a different qualification.

The real issue is that if we represent the viewpoint of the profession, we need to have some element of recognition. The easiest way to deal with the matter is to recognise both titles within the Bill. I cannot understand how that would create confusion or difficulty. In fact, it would bring us into line with international best practice, the international usage of titles and what is required under the Good Friday Agreement and the European directive on mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The only compelling argument that might be raised against us is that we are proposing something the profession does not require. I understand we are proposing something the profession requires, and in that case it should be considered.

I recognise the Minister of State has just arrived and he is just picking up on the issue. I would like to know whether there was consultation with the profession and that the professionals did not make this suggestion to the Department. Let us put that on the record so that we will know whether we are receiving clear lines of information.