Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1029. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if a qualification for chiropodists obtained in Britain from the National Health Service is recognised here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33984/14]
View answerI presume that the Deputy is referring to the recognition of non-Irish qualifications under Directive 2005/36/EC.
Directive 2005/36/EC applies to EEA nationals with EEA qualifications who wish to practise a regulated profession in an EEA State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications, on either a self-employed or employed basis. Its intention is to make it easier for qualified professionals to practise their professions in European countries other than their own. Public health and safety and consumer protection are safeguarded through the qualification recognition process.
To be eligible for consideration under the Directive, a person must be eligible to practise his/her profession in the country in which the qualification was obtained. Such eligibility to practise does not however confer automatic recognition of qualifications in another Member State. In the case of the health and social care professions, including chiropody/podiatry, the Directive provides for an assessment, on a case-by-case basis, of the formal qualifications and professional experience of an applicant against the qualifications required to practise in the host member state, i.e. Ireland, and to offer the applicant a compensation measure should deficits in qualifications be identified.
Under Statutory Instruments Nos. 139 and 166 of 2008, which transpose the Directive into Irish law, the Minister for Health is the competent authority for the recognition of chiropody/podiatry qualifications and is advised by the Podiatry Recognition of Overseas Qualifications Committee whose membership is comprised of representatives of the three chiropody/podiatry professional bodies in Ireland. The process is administered by the National Validation Office, Health Service Executive, Galway on behalf of the Minister.
