Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will issue a circular to nursing homes clarifying that health care assistants with Indian nursing qualifications approved by QQI NARIC Ireland do not need to complete a level 5 health care assistant course to renew their general employment permits (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28935/23]
View answerThe framework introducing access to the General Employment Permit for the role of healthcare assistant agreed with the Department of Health included the requirement for the employment to offer a remuneration level of €27,000 or more and for the permit holder to attain a relevant qualification of at least QQI Level 5 after 2 years employment in the State.
This criterion was established to ensure all workers in the Health Care Assistant role would work towards building their skills and range of qualifications and in safeguarding the care of vulnerable patients that a similar standard of learning will be met and delivered upon across care settings.
It would be preferable if all Health Care Assistants obtained the QQI level 5 award as stated. However, it is now clear that some Health Care Assistant staff who are availing of the employment permits have other qualifications, aligned to the care industry but not as Health Care Assistants.
My officials are working with the Department of Health in relation to clarification of qualification comparisons including with regard to the requisite modules, standards and requirements provided as learning to this QQI level 5. In conjunction with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, a bulletin with information for the benefit of employers and permit holders working in this critical care sector will be prepared and issued in due course.
