Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
574. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the situation in CORU whereby there is a four-month deadline to evaluate applications, but no fixed deadline for evaluating appeals, and if he has had any discussions with CORU in relation to this issue as a potential bottleneck in the processing of applications and recruitment, and possible additional resourcing CORU may need. [32129/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate health professional regulators must apply high standards to the assessment of applications for registration from those who wish to work in our health services. This process must be robust to ensure patient safety but must also be fair to applicants. I am advised that the number of appeals in a given year is extremely small, typically in the order of 1.5% to 7%. Imposing a deadline for appeals is potentially problematic as appeals are often successful following the submission of additional information by the candidate. CORU strives to reach their decisions in the shortest timeframe possible and officials in my Department continue to engage with them on a regular basis regarding recognition and registration timelines generally. CORU has been provided with substantial additional resources over the past number of years to assist it fulfil its functions as set out under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and of course this will continue to be kept under review.
