Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Members have been contacted by both physical therapists and physiotherapists and our objective is to recognise that they both do important work. However, we acknowledge that they do slightly different jobs and have slightly different backgrounds and qualifications. An MBIMS Catibus survey carried out in September last year indicated that nine out of ten Irish adults were aware of physiotherapists, while only three in ten were aware of physical therapists. A further one in three of those surveyed considered physical therapists and physiotherapists to be the same or similar, while half of those aged over 65 did not know the difference. It is important that this matter is clarified. That is the purpose of the amendments under discussion, which I hope will receive the backing of the House.