Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1293. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if a fast track process will be introduced as a matter of urgency to allow occupational therapists that trained in the UK that are applying for degree recognition here to do so in a short time in view of the fact that applications are taking in excess of seven months from the date of submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22014/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny person who has obtained a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy from the United Kingdom must have their qualification recognised under Directive 2005/36/EC before they can register and practise the profession in Ireland.
Directive 2005/36/EC applies to all EEA nationals (and the UK until the end of the transition period) wishing to practise a regulated profession in an EU Member State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications. Its intention is to make it easier for certain professionals to practise their professions in European countries other than their own but due safeguards are provided in the assessment of the qualification for public health and safety and consumer protection.
The Directive requires that applications must be acknowledged within one month and the applicant be informed of any incomplete information or missing documentation. A final decision must be communicated to the applicant within 4 months of submission of a complete application.
The Occupational Therapists Registration Board of CORU is the competent authority empowered to validate professional qualifications in Occupational Therapy which are obtained outside the State. CORU have confirmed that no application for recognition of a qualification in Occupational Therapy has exceeded the maximum timeframe allowed for in the Directive. The shortest period for making a decision in 2020 was 26 days, the average was 89 days, and the maximum was 122 days. The length of time it takes to make a decision relates to a variety of factors, including the level of difference between the qualification and the Irish standard which leads to assessment of lifelong experience to ascertain if gaps are addressed.
