Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is crucial that we have clarity on the issue of dual recognition and that there is no attempt to abolish it. Senator Ryan referred to what could happen. It is clear that as the legislation is currently drafted people could not misrepresent themselves as being chiropodists. However, people could misrepresent themselves as being podiatrists. That is the difficulty. That leaves a gaping hole in the Bill. Knowing that to be the case, we are about to pass legislation to legislate for a loophole we know exists and are trying to address. It would be very foolish of us not to take that on board.

We have put forward a very persuasive argument, which I will not rehearse. I do not believe either Minister disagreed with the points made, but he tried to pinpoint some technical problems. I do not see any technical problems. This is a matter of protecting the public, protecting a title and giving due recognition to people who are duly and properly qualified.

I suggest that we park this issue until Report Stage and that in the meantime the Minister's officials make contact with the professional bodies and return with a revised proposal on Report Stage. We all have the same objective. There is nothing political about it and nobody is trying to undermine anybody. On that basis I would be happy to move forward.