Irish Statutory Instruments

Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 29th January, 2013.

I, JAMES REILLY, Minister for Health, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 20 (2) of the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 46 of 2012), hereby order as follows:

1. This Order may be cited as the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2013.

2. The 1st day of February 2013 is appointed as the day on which the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 46 of 2012) comes into operation.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

25 January 2013.

JAMES REILLY,

Minister for Health.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

This Order commences the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 46 of 2012) with effect from 1st February 2013.

The Act amends the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) to allow the Minister for Health to continue to appoint professional members to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council until the twelve registration boards have been established under the 2005 Act, have held elections, and are in a position themselves to nominate one of their elected members.

The Act also amends the 2005 Act to incorporate the provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications and provides for the assessment and recognition of relevant qualifications obtained outside the State. Other amendments relate to fees payable to members of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, registration criteria, protection of titles, and updating of fines for offences under the Act.