Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
671. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on the delay in recognising pharmacists from non-EU countries to help address the shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53328/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPharmacists wishing to practise in Ireland must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI — The Pharmacy Regulator). It is the PSI’s responsibility in the public interest to ensure that Pharmacists as healthcare professionals are competent to practise. The role of a pharmacist is a significant and responsible one, and patients must be assured that pharmacists are capable of providing a safe and effective pharmacy service.
The PSI operates three routes of recognition/registration depending on where the pharmacy qualification has first been acquired – the national route, EU route and non-EU (third country qualification recognition - TCQR) route under established processes based in Irish and EU law, and cognisant of obligations emanating from Community Membership, and other legislative frameworks including Equality legislation. Currently, each individual applicant going through the TCQR process has the qualification presented assessed through a defined process, which may/may not include the requirement for completion of a period of adaptation, based on the outcome of the individual’s performance in an Equivalence Examination, and conducted on behalf of the PSI by a third party, currently UCC.
The PSI has recognised that its Third Country route of qualification recognition and registration is complex for applicants and is currently in a process to review it so that it is more streamlined and easier to navigate, with the aim being to have an improved TCQR route in place. This is a strategic project being progressed as part of the PSI Service Plan for 2022.
