Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mutual Recognition of Qualifications.

Liz McManus

Question:

164 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed on the qualifications being demanded from EU nationals migrating to Ireland holding EU qualifications in occupational therapy and in doing so availing of their entitlements under the general system directive (89/48/EEC) and the different and less demanding qualifications and procedures involving persons migrating from and holding a third country qualification who are taking up positions in health boards and other bodies for which he is responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15924/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

For the purposes of the EC Directive 89/48 on the mutual recognition of qualifications, the Minister for Health and Children functions as the designated authority for validating non-national qualifications for employment as an occupational therapist in this country.

Persons with an EU qualification migrating to Ireland must apply to the Minister in order to have their qualifications recognised, which recognition will allow them to practice professionally in this country. Assessments of such qualifications are carried out by designated competent authorities which in this country are the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland and the School of Occupational Therapy in Trinity College.

Due to the diverse origins of those holding third country qualifications, it is to be expected that the standard of education and experience will vary considerably. However, when assessing the qualifications of non-EU applicants, it is Department policy to request the School of Occupational Therapy in Trinity College to assess those qualifications rigorously in order to ensure that, at the very minimum, they comply with the qualifications listed at (a) and (b) below. Furthermore, health service employers are aware of their responsibilities for ensuring that the professional qualifications of applicants comply with the requirements listed at (a), (b) and (c) below.

The minimum professional qualifications required to practice as an occupational therapist in this country are (a) the bachelor in science honours degree in occupational therapy from the University of Dublin or (b) the diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy or (c) a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) above. The qualifications required of a person migrating from and holding a third country qualification falls under (c) above and consequently those requirements ensure the same level of skill, training and experience as would be demanded from an EU applicant.

Liz McManus

Question:

165 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the qualifications declared under section 18 of the Health Act, 1970, for occupational therapists and promotional grades; if no declaration has been made, when he will make a declaration; and the nature of any declarations made. [15925/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The qualifications declared under section 18 of the Health Act, 1970, for occupational therapists and promotional grades are as follows professional qualifications, experience, etc. each candidate must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office, possess a the bachelor in science honours degree in occupational therapy from the University of Dublin; (b) the diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy; (c) a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) above. Age: candidates must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs. Health: each candidate for and any person holding office must be free from any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Character: each candidate for and any person holding office must be of good character.

For appointment as senior occupational therapist, the professional qualifications, experience, age, health and character etc. are as for occupational therapist with the added requirement that the candidate have at least three years satisfactory post qualification experience.

For appointment as head occupational therapist, the professional qualifications, experience, age, health and character etc. are as for occupational therapist with the added requirement that the candidate have at least five years satisfactory post qualification experience.