Physiotherapists - Order of Business, Seanad Éireann - Raised Matters
26 January 2016
Order of Business, Seanad Éireann - Raised Matters
Senator Ivana Bacik: I welcome the announcement this week in respect of physiotherapists. Many of us raised the issue of the title of physiotherapist in the House and with the Minister for Health. I am glad the Minister has decided not only that the title of physiotherapist will be protected under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act but also that he will protect the title of physical therapist as a varied title of physiotherapist as the best way to eliminate the ongoing risk of confusion and the consequent risk to public safety. I am aware that new grandparenting provisions are being prepared which will allow practitioners to apply on a once off basis and for a limited period to register in the physiotherapist register and that after this period only qualified physiotherapists will be permitted to register. This is a sensible decision. It has been communicated to the Physiotherapists Registration Board and other interested parties and the Department of Health is preparing the necessary legislation to give effect to the Minister's decision. It has been welcomed by practising physiotherapists, many of whom have been in contact with many of us. It is an eminently sensible decision.
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists also welcomed the news - follow the link to their press release. http://www.iscp.ie/events-and-news/iscp-blog/press-release-minister-makes-key-decision-protect-both-titles