Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

On some of the comments made by the three Senators, first, the publication of the various professions which have registers, and which have been dealt with in the Bill, will be done and I am sure the professions will let it be known. To allay Senator Henry's fears about the protected titles, once the Bill is enacted these titles are protected in law and a person will not be able to put on a plate that he or she is a registered physiotherapist or a registered speech and language therapist if the person is not on the register. There is no duplicity about which register is concerned. They cannot be alluding to a made-up register. This will get over that difficulty in so far as one can. As Senator Henry stated, we encounter problems from time to time within professions that are already registered. Admittedly, this occurs infrequently but that, I suppose, is human nature. I am not excusing or condoning it, but it will happen in all professions.

Senator Feeney commented on continuous education, which has always been important and will become more important as time goes, for all professions. Unfortunately, in previous times once somebody qualified in a profession he or she was not obliged to continue education. There has been evidence in the past of professions not keeping abreast of up-to-date practice and, unfortunately, causing damage. I am sure that continuous education will be a criteria of the registration board. It is essential. We all know that now. In every profession, their qualifications are nearly out of date within five years of qualifying. It is imperative that they will continue education and I am sure the new boards will insist that it happens.