Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

In instances where complaints are made against a registered practitioner it is a matter for the council to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate the complaint. The role of each registration board in the disciplinary process is, following the completion of a fitness to practice hearing, to recommend a sanction to be imposed on a registered practitioner. A registration board has therefore no role in assuring high standards of professional conduct. As set out in section 27(3), its function in this regard include giving guidance to registrants concerning ethical conduct and giving guidance and support to registrants concerning the practice of the designated professional. This will be achieved primarily through the formation of by-laws governing codes of professional conduct and ethics. The Bill is intended to protect the public but if, for instance, a person decided against making a complaint they cannot be guaranteed full protection. The word "fostering" is the appropriate word. I am not in a position to accept the Senator's amendment.