Harney publishes plans to make doctors more accountable
The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has published proposals to make doctors more accountable for their work.
The plans include increasing the number of lay people on the Medical Council to seven out of a total of 25 members.
They also include provisions for public inquiries into the behaviour of doctors, as well as tests to prove they are up to date with modern practices.
Ms Harney says the changes are designed to make sure that the public interest is foremost in the delivery of health services.
The reforms are being welcomed by the Irish Patients Association, which says they should boost public trust in the medical system.
The Irish Medical Council says it also supports the changes and has been calling for such measures for some time.
