Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the recognition of homoeopathic medicine; her plans to introduce measures to give effect to recognition. [3437/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to the recognition of the practitioners of homoeopathic medicine.

I am conscious that complementary therapy, including homoeopathy, is of increasing interest to the public and that more people are now attending complementary therapists. However, while the practice of conventional medicine and health care in this country is controlled and regulated, complementary health care, including the practice of homoeopathy, has not been subject to the same level of oversight. Standards of education, professional qualifications and experience required are not as well established and the level of qualification and length of training among complementary therapists can vary. Moreover, the practice of some complementary therapies has sometimes been carried out on an informal basis.

A national working group on the regulation of complementary therapists was established by my predecessor in May 2003 to advise on future measures for strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists. The national working group's report has been submitted to my Department and I will carefully consider the group's recommendations on this matter.