Medical Council's reform plan concerns

Senior members of the Medical Council have expressed concern that its future independence could be jeopardised under reforms planned by Minister for Health Mary Harney which would see non-medical members hold a majority for the first time.

The president of the Medical Council, Prof John Hillery, said at a press conference last night that it had been informed by the Department of Health that under forthcoming legislation, members representing the interests of the general public would occupy a majority of the body's seats.

Dr Hillery said that the move would represent a major change for the medical profession, which has regulated itself up to now.

The council's vice-president, Dr Colm Quigley, said the issue of the future independence of the council had to be considered.

He expressed concern that it should not become a "semi-State body rubber-stamping Government cutbacks or decisions".