Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank all the Senators here today for helping to progress this Bill. This Bill has been in train for quite a long time and I especially wish to thank the officials from the Department for all the work they have done on it. The purpose of this Bill is to improve the registration and fitness to practise processes of the health professional regulatory bodies and to amend the five health regulatory Acts to give further effect to the EU professional qualifications directive. This modernised directive provides mechanisms for the recognition of professional qualifications and the conveyance of disciplinary information within the European Union.

As we all know, we are in the midst of a pandemic.It is a very difficult time for all front-line staff, all the people in our country and especially all the families that have lost loved ones so this Bill is timely. As I said to Senator Bacik earlier, I will speak to the Minister on the part she is interested in and we will get it moved on as quickly as possible.

It is my first time in this Chamber since the new Seanad was convened and I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. I also congratulate Senator Joe O'Reilly on being elected Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad today and I congratulate all new Members of this House. It is great to see the Dáil and the Seanad up and running and we can now get through the legislative work, which is so important. Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí.