Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

These amendments to sections 22 and 32 deal with the rules made by the health and social care professionals council and the by-laws made by registration boards. Amendment No. 15 corrects a typographical error. Amendments Nos. 16, 17 and 28 provide for the laying of rules and by-laws before each House of the Oireachtas.

Senators will recall that the Bill was extensively amended in the Seanad to strengthen and enhance the transparency of arrangements for the making of by-laws by registration boards and rules by the council. On Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, Deputies sought amendments requiring by-laws and rules to be laid before the Houses. Amendment No. 16 provides for the health and social care professionals council to publish its rules and submit them to the Minister for laying before the Houses.

Section 95 deals with the Minister's power to make regulations and amendment No. 17 provides that section 95, subsections (4) to (6), inclusive, apply with the necessary modifications to rules of the council submitted to the Minister in accordance with the section as if they were regulations made by the Minister.

Section 32 provides for the publication and other requirements relating to draft and other by-laws made by registration boards. Amendment No. 28 amends this section to provide for registration boards to publish by-laws and submit them to the Minister for laying before each House. Sections 95(4) to 95(6) will apply with the necessary modifications to the by-laws of registration boards submitted to the Minister in accordance with the section as if they were regulations made by the Minister. These provisions will further enhance the transparency and credibility of the regulatory system.