I propose to take Questions Nos. 336, 337 and 338 together.
Officials in my Department have been in touch with CORU to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. The information below has been provided and the outstanding information requested will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Recognition applications from US qualified physiotherapists
|
Date range
|
Number of applications
|
Number of appeals
|
|
01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022
|
5
|
2
|
|
01/01/2023 to date
|
4
|
0
|
Recognition applications from internationally qualified physiotherapists
|
Date range
|
Number of applications
|
Number of appeals
|
|
01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022
|
209
|
28
|
|
01/01/2023 to date
|
225
|
17
|
Please note, applications are not refused by CORU unless the applicant is ineligible to apply. If an application does not meet the standards of proficiency for physiotherapists, the applicant is given an opportunity to undertake compensation measures to address any deficits in their application. A compensation measure is put in place as an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate the required standard of practice as upheld in Ireland to ensure protection of the public. The applicant is given two opportunities to address deficits. But if they fail on both occasions they can still reapply for recognition.
All appeals made to CORU across all professions are progressed as soon as reasonably practicable. The relevant decision makers are external to CORU to ensure independence and integrity in the decision-making process. The timeframe for completion of appeals has typically been in the region of 4-6 months. Unfortunately, following a very high increase in appeals since late 2021 that timeframe has extended to approximately nine months. CORU appreciates the importance of addressing appeals as quickly as possible and makes every effort to ensure that applicants are supported through this process.
