Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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378. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to deal with doctors failing to take the proper history of patients admitted to hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55015/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Matters relating to the professional conduct of doctors are appropriate to the Medical Council, given its statutory functions.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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379. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the background checking of doctors and other medical professionals in view of recent negative publicity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55017/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Medical Council is the regulator for medical practitioners and undertakes a number of checks when a person applies for registration. These checks include verifying the qualification and obtaining a certificate of good standing. The applicant also completes a self declaration which includes questions in relation to offences, medical disabilities and disciplinary proceedings etc.

It is a matter for individual employers to interview the doctor and to satisfy themselves as to the doctor’s suitability for the particular job, references and language proficiency prior to employment.