Mary Henry (Independent)

I am sure the Minister of State can understand the gratitude, not only of those present, offered to him and his officials on the introduction of the Bill as it has been sought for almost 20 years. It is well that it is such good legislation because it is extremely important. It is important that the members of the professions covered by the Bill ensure publicity is used to show that they are the ones with statutory registration.

The working of the Bill will probably be quite simple. The matters which Senator Feeney brought forward, based on her experience on the Medical Council, are important. These include continuing education, which is of such importance nowadays, and competence assurance. As the Minister of State said, when people qualified years ago that was it, and no one had to do any more study.

I will just ask him to do one thing further, namely, try to get something done about the medical practitioners Act, which has been sought for 20 years as well. I told the House recently that I was assured six years ago, at this time of the year, that the Bill would be ready before Christmas. My mistake was not to ask which Christmas.