Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
14. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if therapists (details supplied) who have qualified in Queens University Belfast or Ulster University have to complete a compensation measure, comprising either an adaptation period under supervised practice or an aptitude test before their qualification is recognised by CORU. [40690/23]
View answer68. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1625 of 11 September 2023, the reason therapists (details supplied) who have qualified in Queens University Belfast or Ulster University have to complete a compensation measure comprising either an adaptation period under supervised practice or an aptitude test before their qualification is recognised by CORU if CORU states that "the existing programmes in Northern Ireland have a good alignment with the Irish standard for these professions. [40740/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 68 together.
CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. Its role is to protect the public and one of the ways this is achieved is through the systems that are in place to verify qualifications – both within and outside the State. Only professional qualifications awarded within the State can be accredited by CORU for access to CORU regulated professions and persons with CORU accredited Irish qualifications apply directly to CORU for registration.
Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a non-Irish qualification’s alignment with the standard of proficiency required to practise in Ireland. Professional experience and lifelong learning are also considered where necessary. CORU must be satisfied that each individual applicant has met all the criteria to grant recognition of non-Irish qualifications. This is to ensure public confidence in registered professionals.
With regard to Northern Irish qualified therapy graduates, CORU has advised officials in the Department of Health that since 2019 it has assessed 44 applications from Northern Irish graduates with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy degrees. The assignment of compensation measures is rare. This reflects a strong alignment of standards between the two jurisdictions.
Work is underway to further streamline the process for recognising non-Irish qualifications where standards alignment is clearly evidenced, including for programmes in Northern Ireland.
If the deputy wishes to provide further detail on specific cases where a compensation measure has been imposed, officials in the Department will be happy to contact CORU and seek further clarifications on her behalf.
