Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
142. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being implemented to eliminate the unacceptable delays experienced by persons who qualified in Northern Ireland or in Britain in having their qualifications recognised in Ireland in areas such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18425/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications is assessed on a case-by-case basis. It should be noted that many applications from those with qualifications obtained in Northern Ireland and Great Britain are recognised in a shorter timeframe than those of other jurisdictions. This is due to familiarity with, and greater knowledge of, the UK system of qualifications.
In Q1 2023, the average time for therapist professions (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy) who qualified in Northern Ireland and Great Britain to receive a decision on their application for recognition was 65 days. In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021. The average time required to deliver a recognition decision for all professions was 69 days in Q3 and Q4 of 2022. This was a significant reduction on the 2021 average of 87 days and the 2020 average of 75 days (the 2018 and 2019 averages were 72 and 75 days respectively).
CORU has undertaken several measures aimed at reducing timeframes which are listed below:
• The process for recognition of international qualifications has been fully digital since September 2021.
• Guidance notes were updated and guidance has also been incorporated into the front-end online application portal which should assist applicants to submit a complete application when undertaking the application process.
• Work has also been ongoing to identify possible new approaches for recognition of international qualifications. In addition, new systems operable within the law as it stands are being researched and tested to speed up the process.
• CORU also invite applicants whose files are considered complete to apply for registration so that the recognition and registration tasks can processed in parallel.
• The frequency of Registration Board meetings has also been increased to allow for quicker decision-making.
