Seanad debates

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2017: Second Stage

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Maura HopkinsMaura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, to the House. As colleagues have noted, these amendments to the 2005 Act provide a welcome strengthening of existing provisions. Following on from what Senator Dolan said, the key element here is the clarity that is now provided regarding the distinction between physical therapy and physiotherapy. It is not to diminish the role of either profession to point out there are distinct differences between the two. It is very important that the public, as Senator Dolan so clearly stated, is very much aware of those differences. It is vital, therefore, that the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, the Irish Association of Physical Therapists, the Department, and all the relevant stakeholders do their best to communicate those distinctions to the public. The ultimate aim is to protect people and ensure we have high standards for the delivery of services.

It has been helpful in recent months to have constructive consultation with the various stakeholder organisations in seeking to find a better solution. CORU, in particular, has an important role to play in ensuring we have proper regulation in place.Yes, we have a distance to travel in terms of ensuring more professions are accountable. Senator Colm Burke made a very important point regarding the number of allied health professionals who are engaged in the health sector and how important it is that proper standards and expectations regarding continuous professional development are in place and health care professionals delivering services are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge, attitudes and training. The amendments to this Bill will strengthen this. I very much welcome these changes. Our ultimate aim is to promote high standards and good professional conduct. This Bill attempts to do that. I thank the Minister of State for his time today.

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