Dr Jim McDaid TD could face an inquiry by the Medical Council following his admission of drink-driving earlier this week, writes Fiona Gartland.
Medical Council guidelines on ethical conduct and behaviour state that convictions in a criminal court of a registered practitioner will be investigated. The code of ethics also says that the perceived misuse of alcohol by a doctor may be grounds for holding an inquiry.
According to the code, "the complaint that a doctor has been under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a grave charge, and may lead to a finding of professional misconduct". A conviction of drink-driving against a doctor is investigated by the council's Fitness to Practise Committee, which may act on a complaint received or on its own behalf.
