Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
785. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of significant concerns over lack of appropriate consultation and dialogue with doctors and their representative organisations over major changes in the ethics guidelines of the Medical Council which were not signalled to the profession and public in the launch and highlights document of the 9th edition of the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25113/24]
View answerIn the Medical Council’s preparation for the drafting of the 9th Edition of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Medical Practitioners (‘the Guide’), a comprehensive public consultation took place. I am advised that there were 568 survey responses and 72% of these responses were from doctors. A roundtable targeted consultation with representative stakeholders was organised and informed by this feedback. These consultations generated significant feedback and this was utilised by the Ethics Committee to inform the drafting of the 9th edition of the Guide.
I understand that the review of the Guide was undertaken utilising legal advices and based on agreed methodology by the Committee. When drafting, in addition to the consultation feedback, the Committee also considered existing and newly enacted legislation and policy and how it applies to the protection of the public from medical regulatory and legal perspectives. Furthermore, Committee decisions were informed by international comparisons, extensive research and discussions.
