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Health Services Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Ceisteanna (169)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

169. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the criteria for health and social care professionals registration for physiotherapists who achieve their qualification within the European Union but outside Ireland; the options that are available for such qualified persons in the event that CORU insist upon further Irish hospital placements being carried out before registration is approved specifically when such placements are not available within the Irish hospital system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11856/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health and social care regulator. Its role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).

Applicants seeking to register with the Physiotherapists Registration Board may present qualifications awarded either in or outside the State. Those qualifications awarded outside the State are required to be assessed under the process provided in Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications. The Directive provides for the assessment of an applicant’s formal training and post-qualification professional experience. 

This assessment, undertaken on a case by case basis by academic and professional assessors, seeks to determine the alignment between an applicant’s qualification and the standards of proficiency required for the practice of that profession in Ireland. If deficiencies in the qualification are identified, an applicant’s post-qualification training and professional work experience will be considered.  If deficits remain, an applicant will be offered a choice between compensation measures: a period of adaptation and an aptitude test.  The Physiotherapists Registration Board will provide the applicant with the details of the deficits and determine the form that the period of adaptation or aptitude test should take.

An aptitude test is provided by a university under contract to CORU for the provision of such tailored assessments. In respect of a period of adaptation, CORU does not have any role in requiring any service provider to provide a period of adaptation placements. Detailed guidance is provided to applicants on the form that the period of adaptation is required to take. The choice to pursue a period of adaptation or an aptitude test rests with the applicant.

I hope that this information is of assistance.

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