Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
662. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what systems have been put in place to recognise the medical and other professional qualifications of Ukrainian nationals living here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22619/24]
View answer663. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what systems have been put in place to recognise the medical and other professional qualifications of IP applicants who have been successful in their applications or those who have been granted leave to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22620/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.
Responsibility for the recognition of professional qualifications rests with the relevant competent authority/regulatory body of the profession in question. Neither the Minister nor the Department has a role in performance of this function.
Where a profession is regulated, such as the professions of doctor, nurse or teacher, an individual wishing to practice their profession in Ireland must engage with the relevant Irish Competent Authority to seek the recognition of their qualifications. Ireland has over 45 Competent Authorities covering a wide range of professions. A list of regulated professions in Ireland, their corresponding competent authority and their relevant contact information has been made available on the Gov.ie website both on the Department’s page and via the resources page for Ukrainians at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/d7527-professional-qualifications-recognition/#contacts
Following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, many of these Authorities started to reach out to engage with the Ukrainian community and have published dedicated material on their websites to assist Ukrainians who are now seeking to practice their professions in Ireland.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has been providing ongoing support to the work of these Competent Authorities by sharing best practice material supplied by the European Commission on the recognition of Ukrainian professional qualifications. This includes working with and supporting these Authorities as they implement the Commission Recommendation 2022/554 on the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Many elements of this material is more widely applicable. In addition to the above, the Competent Authorities have also been advised of information resources from NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) Ireland that will assist in their recognition work, alongside toolkits and resources developed by the EU and UNESCO to assist in dealing with cases where refugees do not have complete evidence or documentation of their qualifications.
Where individuals are seeking to access a regulated profession in Ireland, especially in cases where they may have limited documentation in relation to their qualifications, it is recommended they engage directly with the relevant competent authority in question at the earliest opportunity.
