Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposal that patients would be able to refer themselves to consultants; if this proposal applies to public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22167/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Medical Council is the body in the State charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. Section 69(2) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1978 states, "It shall be a function of the Council to give guidance to the medical profession generally on all matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour." Ethical guidance is a matter for the Medical Council and the Minister for Health and Children does not have a role in this regard.

The ethical guide, including its guidance on referral of patients, relates to all doctors, whether practising in the public or private sector.

The Council has informed me that it recommends that patients in the first instance consult their general practitioner, as the person who best knows their medical history.