CHECK ALL DOCTORS REGISTRATIONS WITH THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF IRELAND

On the 4^th October 2025, the Irish Times published a disturbing article entitled “Sanctions against doctors kept from the public”.  The article highlighted the disparity in respect of the information medical regulators share with the public and reported that the UK publish “large amounts” but half of all sanctions issued against doctors in the State were kept “hidden” from the public.  Apparently, since 2014, 159 doctors have been sanctioned in the State yet only details of 81 have been published.  The Medical Council appears to have a discretion and will only publish if it is in “the public interest”.  I would argue that the relationship between a doctor and patient is so unique/sacred that if that doctor has been sanctioned, it fundamentally is in the public interest that this information is published.  I do not anticipate that the Medical Council will deviate from their public interest policy stance.   I would urge that we all carry out our own due diligence.    As all doctors must register with the Medical Council of Ireland to practise in the State, it is relatively easy to check a doctor’s credentials and look up if any sanctions are imposed.   See link below:

https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/

On opening the link, it will be apparent that you can search by last name, first name, or registration number.  A search will verify that a doctor is registered to practise medicine in Ireland, and you can also check a doctor’s qualifications.  Of note, the guidance states that the best way to ensure that you do not miss important information is to search by the doctor’s registration number.  However, you may not have that information but it can be ascertained from letters from the doctor, referrals and from prescriptions.  The search will bring up any restrictions to include undertakings given by a doctor not to practise medicine, conditions placed on a doctor’s registration or suspension from the register.

Contact us at Cantillons Solicitors at +353 (0)21 4275673 or info@cantillons.com if you would like more information.

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