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".
