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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Chiropractor X-ray referrals

Summary

Michael Healy-Rae objects to an EU directive that would stop chiropractors referring patients for X-rays or taking X-rays in-house. The Taoiseach replies that chiropractors are not registered healthcare professionals and only doctors or specialist nurses should prescribe radiation exposure.

My question is on reducing waiting lists for X-rays. For the past 25 years, chiropractors have been able to refer patients to private hospitals or take X-rays in-house. On 6 February, the Minister, Deputy Harris, is due to sign into law an EU directive that will see this right taken away from them. Surely this is nonsensical as it will result in a massive surge on the waiting list for X-rays and will mean people with issues such as back pain will be waiting much longer for solutions while in pain. Will the Government amend the directive and allow the existing practice to continue in the interest of common sense? Our chiropractors are providing an excellent service and have been doing so for many decades. Can we please keep the status quo?

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

We have no plans to do that. Chiropractors are not registered health care professionals. The only people who can prescribe a patient being exposed to radiation should be doctors or specialist nurses.

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