Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 12, subsection (4) (b), line 37, after "training" to insert "(which education and training shall, in the case of medical professionals, be provided by postgraduate professional training bodies)".

The part of the Bill dealing with the objects and functions of the executive with regard to the training and education of students, nurses and other health professionals is interesting, and I am interested to hear Senator Henry's view on it. If I read it correctly, the Bill gives the executive extraordinary power when it states at subsection (4):

The Executive shall manage and shall deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services in accordance with this Act and shall. . . .

(b) to the extent practicable and necessary. . . facilitate the education and training of—

(i) students training to be registered medical practitioners, nurses or other health professionals, [I take this to mean doctors and nurses] and

(ii) its employees".

The executive will be responsible for the delivery of health services and all else to do with the training and education of nurses and doctors. This is a new way of operating. The amendment seeks to insert the wording, "(which education and training shall, in the case of medical professionals, be provided by postgraduate professional training bodies)", which is the case at present. I am interested to hear the Minister's response.