The Minister for Health has said the proposed Medical Practitioners Bill is about ensuring the highest possible standard of patient safety.
Mary Harney told the Dáil that competence assurance was at the heart of the regulation of medical practitioners in this country.
Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael's Health spokesperson, expressed concern about the levels of power the bill would grant to the Minister. He said absolute power was always open to abuse.
However, Ms Harney said the levels of ministerial power were appropriate for the purpose of regulating doctors on matters of public policy.
She also rejected claims by the Opposition that controversial practices like stem cell research and abortion could be brought in by ministerial directive under the Bill.
Meanwhile doctors from outside the EU, including those with refugee status, will have their qualifications recognised and will be able to practise as specialists in Ireland under the new legislation.
Ms Harney said she hoped this would bring more expertise into the health system.
She said medical practitioners would have to register with the Irish Medical Council before practising in Ireland, and could only use specialist titles subject to HSE approval.
