Medical Qualifications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Questions (638)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

638. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 23 February 2023, if his Department is aware of undue delays currently in accreditation of international cardiac physiologists by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science; if his Department has taken or proposes to take any steps to assist with the current challenges being experienced by the IICMP to ensure that internationally qualified clinical measurement physiologists who wish to work in the healthcare sector here can obtain visas to do so in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11335/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, many professions employed in the health service are not subject to statutory regulation, and this includes Clinical Measurement Physiologists. At present, eligibility criteria for posts within the HSE and HSE-funded services are approved by the HSE’s National Director of HR in consultation with stakeholders and with regard to recruitment challenges, skill-mix, and continuing professional development.

Accreditation of education programmes by professional representative bodies is a matter for the professional bodies and education institutions involved. Internationally qualified Clinical Measurement Physiologists who wish to work in Ireland can apply for recognition of their qualifications through the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science.

The HSE is exploring a number of approaches to support the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology with regard to accreditation of international qualified Clinical Measurement Physiologists.