Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator O'Rourke and the individual from the profession who contacted me. It is not about one versus the other. It is about dual recognition. The person in question is a qualified chiropodist with a pre-1986 diploma who has upskilled to a degree in podiatry. The Minister said, as did the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Power, that he had had no contact from the professional bodies regarding the change of name from chiropodist to podiatrist. Notwithstanding the wording of the amendment, the issue is clearly that of dual recognition. Perhaps the Minister can tell the House whether there has been any discussion or a request for dual recognition. That might simplify the issue. As Senator O'Toole has indicated, we are acting in good faith having had numerous discussions with members of the profession and are trying to the best of our ability to highlight the issues as we understand them based on representations from the profession. The arguments put forward seem exceptionally reasonable to me and to other Senators and they require further consideration.

I would be happy to conclude on this matter today with an assurance from the Minister that he will discuss the issue of dual recognition with the four groups from the profession and allow some discussion on it here on Report Stage.