Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I agree with Senator Glynn on this issue. The inclusion of the term "physiotherapist-physical therapist" suggests that these professions are the same, which is not the case.

The international terminology which identifies physiotherapists as physical therapists is one that we have to get to grips with to ensure that people's qualifications in these fields are recognised. We must also recognise that people in Ireland who describe themselves as physical therapists do not have the qualification or provide the full range of service of that held and provided by a physiotherapist.

There are possibly two ways of dealing with this issue. One is to offer physical therapists who wish to do so under the transitional arrangements the opportunity to bring themselves up to the standard to provide the broad range of physiotherapy services. The other option is to encourage them to come under such a title as may be agreed, under subsection (2), which provides for designation of other bodies. The Minister of State might also consider the designation of chiropractors. As Senator Glynn said, it is quite dangerous to suggest that these two kinds of therapists are exactly the same.