Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The amendments tabled by Senators Henry and Quinn reflect the current debate within the relevant profession on the most appropriate title. The title "chiropodist" is used in the Bill because that reflects the current more common title by which the profession is known to the public in this country. I appreciate that it is different in other countries.

However, I am aware of the discussion within the profession on the title and the different views held by various groups within the profession. As Senators will recall, on Committee Stage of the Bill my Department undertook to contact the four professional bodies representing chiropodists in Ireland to ascertain their formal views as to which word, "chiropodist" or "podiatrist", should be used as the primary title in the legislation. Two of the professional bodies expressed a preference for "podiatrist", while two wanted to retain "chiropodist" as the primary title.

One of the bodies which wishes to retain the title "chiropodist" claims it represents over 70% of chiropodists and podiatrists in Ireland. The Department's position is to encourage all stakeholders involved to develop an agreed solution to the issue of protection of title, and this is the best way forward. The Department has therefore asked the four professional bodies to revert to an agreed position as to which word should be used as a primary title. The outcome of this request is still awaited.

I hope the Senator will appreciate that in the circumstances I do not propose to accept these amendments.