Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Work Qualifications.

Michael McDowell

Question:

120 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not approved the report of the National Validation Body on Social Work; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, without the approval of this report, EU nationals seeking recognition of social work qualifications are effectively denied such recognition; when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 will have her rights of establishment under EU law vindicated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The National Validation Body submitted a report to me on the criteria for the validation of non-national qualifications in September 1995. The report, following examination by my Department, was returned to the National Validation Body for further work and development.

A revised report was submitted to me in February 1996, and following examination. I officially notified the National Validation Body of my acceptance of the revised criteria, by letter dated 20 March 1996.

The National Validation Body is now in the process of validating non-national qualifications in line with the recently approved criteria. The validation process is a detailed exercise and applicants such as the person who is the subject of the Deputy's inquiry will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.