Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
503. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to an accreditation issue with a course (details supplied); and the plans that are in place to deal with this matter. [48188/22]
View answerRegulation is being introduced in the Social Care profession for the first time. Higher Education Institutions are at various stages of engagement with CORU.
I understand that ATU are engaging with CORU with a view to submitting an application.
At the beginning of September, my officials wrote to all providers of Social Care programmes, including ATU, asking that institutions communicate their position in relation to CORU accreditation to all students. Higher Education Institutes are responsible for communicating clearly and honestly with their students in relation to the accreditation status of any programmes they offer. CORU is an independent regulator of the health and social care professions. It is not within my remit to direct either body.
The Social Care Workers Register is due to open on the 30 November 2023. This will begin a 2 year transition period for existing practitioners to apply to register with CORU. On the 30th November 2025, the title 'Social Care Worker' will become a legally protected title in Ireland.
The Department of Health have advised my Department that to join the register existing professionals and current students will either need to:
1. have undertaken an approved education programme, or
2. to have obtained 2 years of professional practice in the 5-year period prior to 30 November 2025, in addition to passing a competency test.
Further information in relation to these “grand-parenting” provisions for existing practitioners, should be sought from the Department of Health or CORU directly, as these matters are not within the remit or responsibility of the Minister or the Department, and as such cannot intervene with the work of an independent regulator
My officials are continuing to engage with the Department of Health on these issues.
