John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The reason we are imposing it at this stage is that the Bill deals with that specialty. I was not in the Oireachtas when the original legislation was introduced. The ophthalmologists brought this to my attention because, as the Minister of State pointed out, there is a unique professional-client among opticians. Interactions with other specialties follow a professional referral. Somebody can self-refer to an optician and by-pass all the medical expertise. This is why we believe this relationship requires the provision.

I could be wrong but I believe we have provided in other legislation for legal mandates on certain people to report certain things even though common human decency and professional standards dictate that a reasonable person with the relevant professional qualification would act appropriately in the absence of a mandate. We have provided for mandates in areas such as domestic spousal and child abuse. I love it that I have so much attention from the Civil Service. My mother would be very proud today. I will not be raising any more issues but will press the amendment. For the record, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists felt that its members had not been adequately consulted or given sufficient opportunity for interaction. That is why it asked me to raise these issues.