The number of places for people representing the public interest on the Medical Council is to be increased by six, with overall membership rising from 25 to 38.
The council president, Prof Gerry Bury, said yesterday it had decided to ask six organisations, representing patients' and carers' interests, for nominations. At present there are three people, nominated by the Minister for Health, representing the public interest.
Seven additional doctors will be appointed to cover the increasing number of specialities in the medical profession. Prof Bury also said the Medical Council had cash reserves of £3.9 million. It has received £612,000 back in legal fees following the long-running court case involving the Beaumount neurosurgeon Mr Sean O'Laoire.
Questioned about the recent revelations that zygotes are being frozen in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Prof Bury said this matter had not been discussed by the council at its meeting yesterday because the agenda had been drawn up before it had been revealed. He presumed it would be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the council's ethics committee.