Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the standards applied to private plastic surgery are sufficiently high; the checks that are carried out on these clinics; if she intends to introduce rigorous standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20940/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978, the Medical Council is charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. The function of the Medical Council is to protect the public through implementing appropriate standards and controls on the medical profession. All doctors practising medicine in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council.

The establishment and operation of acute hospitals, public or private, has never been subject to statutory registration or licensing in this country. My Department is considering the need for the introduction of such provisions.

Persons who avail of the services of doctors performing plastic surgery should endeavour to seek the services of reputable providers. When invasive procedures are being arranged, persons would be strongly advised to check that the services are provided by a medical practitioner who is appropriately registered with the Medical Council. In addition, before agreeing to undergo any procedure, persons should ascertain the level of follow-up medical support which will be available to them after the surgery has been completed.

The Medical Council produces a guide to ethical conduct and behaviour in accordance with section 69(2) of the Medical Practitioners Act. This publication includes guidance for doctors on the required standard for practice premises and standards in regard to centres of health care. The council is in a position to consider alleged breaches of the guide in respect of doctors who are registered with it. Where a concern arises about the professional activity of a registered medical practitioner, the Medical Council has the power to investigate the circumstances of the complaint, and, if a prima facie case exists, to conduct an inquiry. Where a finding of professional misconduct or unfitness to practise is made against a doctor, the council has the authority to suspend, limit or revoke the registration of that individual.

As the Deputy will be aware, a new medical practitioners Bill is currently being drafted by parliamentary counsel in order to substantially update the provisions of the 1978 legislation. Among the many changes I propose to introduce are a clear compulsory requirement for registration for all medical practitioners, changes to the fitness to practise process, the introduction of a mandatory scheme of competence assurance for all doctors practising independently and a much increased public profile for the council. I also intend to significantly increase the non-medical representation on the council in order to best ensure that public safety and protection is given the highest possible priority by the council as it develops in the coming years.

It is my belief that these and other new provisions of the Bill should afford greater protection to the public. I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill before the end of the year.