Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I understand that but we are not saying there is an intention to deceive at present. I am concerned about the future. My amendment states: "In this Act the title "physical therapist" shall be deemed equivalent to the title "physiotherapist" and its use is restricted exclusively to those professionals who are registered as physiotherapists." The second part of the amendment states: "Anyone contravening paragraph (a) is guilty of an offence." It is not a question of whether a person intended to deceive. If someone calls himself or herself a physiotherapist it would not be an acceptable defence to say he or she did not know an incorrect term was being used.

I do not wish to press the amendment at this stage. The Minister of State has agreed to consult further and the amendment can be resubmitted on Report Stage. It is not simply a question of intent to deceive. If someone uses the incorrect term it should not be a good defence to say he or she did not know.