Madam, - In her rush to judge the plans to reform medical regulation, Mary Raftery (Opinion, March 2nd) declares that there is "dangerous confusion" in the Government's approach.
She bases her claim on the fact that the Tánaiste will be proposing more lay representation on the Medical Council.
It has been clear for some time that the Tánaiste has taken the view, in her previous and present role, that majority lay membership of professional regulatory bodies is an important public interest safeguard. The medical profession is no different in this respect. In short, there is no confusion.
Ms Raftery also dismisses the very firm proposals of the Tánaiste for a new Medical Practitioners Act as "tinkering around the edges". This judgment is premature at the very least, given that the Act will deliver a robust and transparent system of governance and accountability of doctors.
The Tánaiste will propose that all doctors must undergo continuing medical education as well as audit, peer review and assessment of clinical performance. The new Act will also introduce streamlined and transparent procedures for the processing of complaints against doctors.
Membership of the Medical Council, in particular adding new lay members, is a further way of providing transparency. All members will play an important role in ensuring that the systems of competence assurance and fitness to practice are working as intended. Patients require assurances that their interests are paramount and override sectional interests.
There is more new legislation, some already enacted, on the regulation of nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists and other health and social care professionals.
With the proposed changes to the consultant contract and the introduction of risk management, there is now a wide range of permanent reforms underway to prevent a repetition of the events that occurred in the Lourdes Hospital. - Yours, etc,
DEREK CUNNINGHAM, Press Officer to the Tánaiste, Department of Health and Children, Hawkins House, Dublin 2.