James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her position on the recognition of general practice as a speciality with reference to the implementation of Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC; if Ireland has informed the committee, established under Article 58 of the Directive, that general practice is a speciality in Europe; if so, when; if it has not informed the committee, the reason for same; if the Medical Council has been asked to supply a list of the medical specialties to the Government; the person who is the Irish representative on the committee; if Ireland has submitted a biennial report to the committee on the implementation of the directive as required by Article 60; if such a report has been submitted, if it will be published; if she will forward this Deputy a copy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25285/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Directive 2005/36/EC provides for the mutual recognition of qualifications of nationals of member states in respect of a broad range of regulated professions, including a number of regulated health professions.

This new Directive makes specific provision — in Articles 28, 29 & 30 — for training in general medical practice. The specific qualifications for general medical practice are listed in Annex V to the Directive, as are the qualifications for other medical specialties. The Medical Council was consulted on the Directive.

General coordination of matters relating to Directive 2005/36/EC is undertaken by the Department of Education and Science and an official of that Department is appointed to coordinate the activities of the designated authorities in the State. The national coordinator is Ireland's representative on the committee established under Article 58 of the Directive and, as required, a nominee of a designated authority can attend to advise on relevant matters on the agenda of any particular meeting.

The report under Article 60 is not due to be presented until two years after 20/10/2007. The Department of Education and Science will be responsible for the coordination of any such report at that time, in consultation with other government departments and designated authorities.