Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Senators Henry and Feeney have expressed exactly my own views on this issue. This discussion appears to be different from the last one we had on the issue. I understand that 92 countries use the term "physical therapist" to mean "physiotherapist" in their various languages. It is not sufficient, therefore, for us to effect a change in this regard by regulation under section 94. There is no choice in this matter. Senator Maurice Hayes spoke earlier about the situation in Northern Ireland, where the terms "physiotherapist" and "physical therapist" are interchangeable in law. We must include these two terms, both denoting the same profession. The terms were interchangeable in this jurisdiction up to ten or 15 years ago until the term "physical therapist" began to acquire a different meaning.

I apologise to physical therapists for my statement of last week that the "title of physical therapist applies to those practitioners who do not have professional qualifications". I should have said "who do not have the same professional qualifications" because I am sure these practitioners have such qualifications. However, as Senator Feeney observed, they are not the same qualifications as those possessed by physiotherapists. Physical therapists do not generally operate in hospitals but in a different capacity.

The temptation is for the Minister to decide that this issue will be regulated under section 94 but this not the correct approach. In 92 countries, the two terms are understood to be interchangeable. This issue is easily resolved by including the terms "physiotherapist" and "physical therapist" as interchangeable in the Bill and regulating this interchangeability to ensure that both terms apply to the same profession. If such an approach is established as a fait accompli, those practitioners who use the term "physical therapist" will have to find another title for their profession. They are currently using many different terms to describe the work they do.

The most important task in the context of this issue is to protect the public. We are all aware that it is commonplace for people to consult practitioners who call themselves "physical therapists" in the mistaken belief that such practitioners are physiotherapists. Patients in these circumstances have found that such treatment is not covered under the terms of their contracts with BUPA and VHI. We must protect the public and there is a simple solution to ensure this objective is achieved.