WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1384/98 by Cristiana MUSCARDINI to the Commission. Training in specialized medicine and free movement of doctors
22. 12. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 402/123 (98/C 402/162) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1384/98 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (7 May 1998) Subject: Training in specialized medicine and free movement of doctors In a bill published in February 1998 (AC 4602), the Italian Government further penalizes specialized medical training by proposing contracts for self-employment which are in no way in line with the content and specific requirements laid down for specialized training courses, which, according to Directive 93/16/EEC (1), should ácomprise theoretical and practical instructioní. Under the kind of employment relationship proposed by this bill, employers would not be required under Italian law to guarantee training or provide the necessary facilities for it. Does the Commission not consider that: 1. 2. this anomaly and the inadequacy of the Italian training system are depriving Italian and European citizens of proper quality standards? using specialist doctors to cover for structural staff shortages in the Italian health system could result in an illegal form of protectionism, restricting access to the labour market in Italy for European doctors? (1) OJ L 165, 7. 7. 1993, p. 1. Joint answer to Written Questions E-1383/98 and E-1384/98 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1998) The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the matters raised by her have been referred to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling (1). Accordingly, it cannot comment until the Courtís ruling has been delivered. (1) Request for a preliminary ruling C-137/91 (Carbonari and Others v Italy). (98/C 402/163) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1385/98 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (7 May 1998) Subject: Ending cosmetic tests on animals Eight years of hard and apparently successful work have been undermined by the Commissionís decision to delay until the year 2000 the entry into force of the directive approved by the European Parliament which would have banned cosmetic tests on animals with effect from January 1998. The Commission cannot overlook the fact that the torture practised on animals is both cruel and in this case utterly pointless, since all cosmetic industries now have alternative tests available. The Commission must be aware that this kind of approach will result in rights being brushed aside in favour of economic interests in Europe, a situation which cannot be allowed to prevail. Will the Commission therefore takes steps to review its decision on the entry into force of the directive banning cosmetic tests on animals?