James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the Medical Council's handling of the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24475/09]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason it took 15 years for the Medical Council to strike a person (details supplied) off the medical register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24476/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

The Medical Council is the statutory body charged with responsibility for the registration and regulation of medical practitioners in the State. Matters relating to the investigation of complaints regarding registered medical practitioners are undertaken by the Council in accordance with the Medical Practitioners Act. Although I am notified of decisions taken by the Council, I have no role in such matters and, in fact, I am specifically precluded by section 9 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 from giving policy directions to the Council in relation to the performance of its functions in the areas of professional conduct and ethics or the investigation of fitness to practise matters.