Vol. 480 No. 6
298 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for current delays in the National Social Work Qualifications Board in approving applications from Irish citizens with foreign qualifications who wish to work here; when the case of a person (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14958/97]
Applications to the National Social Work Qualifications Board are normally processed within six to eight weeks. However, earlier this summer a matter arose in relation to the legal interpretation of the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition, which provides the criteria on which these applications are assessed. Legal advice has been sought by the board and this has resulted in a delay in processing applications. It is hoped to have the legal advice shortly, and as soon as the legal issues are resolved, a decision can be made on the application of the person named by the Deputy.
