Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2022
174. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the average length of time from application that it takes for a professional (details supplied) with qualifications from abroad to register with CORU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator, being responsible for regulating certain health and social care professions. CORU’s 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). This role includes setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards.
There are two forms of application to CORU: applications for the recognition of qualifications received outside the State and applications for registration. Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a qualification’s alignment with the standards of proficiency required in Ireland, and assessment of professional experience and lifelong learning where required. Where a health and social care professional qualifies outside the State and applies to register in Ireland, they must apply for the recognition of their qualification. EU/EEA applicants have the right to have their qualifications assessed in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (SI No 8 of 2017). Once a completed application is been submitted to CORU, i.e., one containing all the required documentation, a decision must issue within four months.
CORU has provided the following data on the average processing time for recognition applications:
|
Therapeutic Professions |
Average days to Decision |
|
Dietitians |
69 |
|
Occupational Therapist |
74 |
|
Physiotherapist |
86 |
|
Speech and Language Therapist |
84 |
|
Overall (all professions) |
85 |
(please note this data refers to the period January 2022 to date)
It is not possible, at this time, to provide the current average processing timeframe for registration applications across the specified professions. However, the average processing time for registration applications across all professions is currently 8.9 weeks.
I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU last year and raised the issue of timeframes for the recognition of qualifications and registration applications. Following our discussion, several measures have been initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes.
Until last year applicants were required to complete the recognition process before initiating the registration process unless they had confirmed job offers. All applicants are now invited to initiate an application for registration as soon as they have submitted a complete application file to the recognition department. This will have the effect of reducing the period of time required to both complete the recognition and registration process.
This is part of a suite of innovations that have been initiated following my discussions with CORU. Further steps underway include:
- Full transfer to an online application system
- Increased frequency of regulatory decision-making (Registration Board meetings)
- Assignment of additional temporary staff resources
- Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions
- Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants
My Department will continue to support CORU in achieving its strategic vision and improving timeframes for all applicants in the future.
