Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1796. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the action that his Department is taking in relation to students who are currently enrolled in applied social care at Dublin Business School who were recently informed that their course had been denied CORU accreditation meaning they will be unable to register as social care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator. Its role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals.
CORU will open the Social Care Workers Register on 30 November 2023. This will begin a two-year transition period during which existing practitioners may apply to register with CORU. On 30 November 2025, the title 'Social Care Worker' will become a legally protected title in Ireland. This positive milestone will ensure all service users receive the highest standards of care and empower CORU to act when any deficiencies are identified.
CORU has engaged extensively, since 2017, with education providers on the standards required by Social Care Worker education programmes including undertaking a stakeholder consultation on the required education standards, holding meetings and information days with all education providers, and conducting site visits.
Officials in my Department are engaging with CORU and relevant Government Departments to explore solutions that might assist the students in achieving registration in the future without compromising the need to adhere to the required standards
In addition, CORU remains available to work with and support all educators and provide guidance on how courses can demonstrate they meet the required standards.
I would like to thank you for raising a matter of understandable concern.
