David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 80: To ask the Minister for Health the way in which the podiatry profession is regulated here in comparison to podiatrists or similar professions in the UK and Europe, in particular regarding the sale, supply and administration of local anaesthetics and the carrying out of minor surgeries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33029/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health and Social Care Professionals Council (HSCPC) was established in March 2007 to implement the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Act provides for the establishment of a system of statutory registration for twelve health and social care professionals including Podiatrists and will apply to the twelve professions regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector or are self-employed, and is the first time that fitness to practice procedures will be put in place for these professionals on a statutory basis.

The first registration board to be established under the Council, the Social Workers Registration Board, was established in August 2010 and the Radiographers Registration Board will be established before year-end. At least four additional registration boards are scheduled for establishment in 2012, with subsequent registration boards to be established as soon as possible after that. With regard to the regulation of Podiatrists and the establishment of their registration board, additional work will be required on the development of policy in relation to the supply and administration of prescription medicines by other health professional groups including podiatrists. This is governed by a separate piece of legislation, the Medicinal Products legislation. This work will be undertaken in parallel with working towards the establishment of the Podiatrists Registration Board.

In developing this policy, regard will be given as to how the supply and administration of prescription medicines in Europe, including the UK is undertaken. I am aware that the UK Department of Health is currently undertaking a consultation process regarding prescribing rights for podiatrists and the outcome of this consultation may assist my Department in its own policy objectives.

The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 place strict controls on the prescribing, supply and administration of medicines, for the purpose of patient protection. Under the Medicinal Products legislation, in order to create an entitlement for a health profession to supply or administer prescription medicines to patients, it is first necessary for that profession to be subject to statutory registration in order that the law clearly identifies the individuals who have an entitlement to supply or administer prescription medicines. In addition, health professions subject to statutory registration are subject to a rigorous regulatory regime which includes fitness to practice and disciplinary sanctions.

While I am open to making medicines more accessible to patients, where safe and appropriate to do so, including permitting the use of medicines by health professionals, including podiatrists, it can only be done by taking all aspects, both legal and policy, into account.