The programme for Government commits to enhancing primary cares services in the community, including access to X-ray and ultrasound services locally. Chiropractors are concerned that impending secondary legislation will interfere with their access to X-ray services. Accurate diagnosis and safe treatment delivery often require access to and the use of imagery such as X-rays. Will chiropractors be facilitated in the secondary legislation in the same way as chiropractors are in parts of the European Union? The secondary legislation is EU regulations on standards of protection against dangers arising from medical exposure to ionising radiation.

I will ask the Minister for Health to provide the Deputy with a detailed note on the matter. On the face of it, we should bear in mind what an X-ray is. It exposes patients and others to radiation, which nobody does without good reason. X-rays should only be ordered by doctors and specialist nurses qualified to do so. Chiropractors are practitioners of a form of alternative medicine and I would have concerns about them being able to prescribe exposure of patients to radiation.