Dáil debates

Thursday, 26 March 2020

An Bille um Bearta Éigeandála ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail (Covid-19), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

10:35 pm

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no provision for such a right in the Bill because people in direct provision already have the right. The perception, if such exists, that someone living in direct provision is precluded from applying to register as a health professional is entirely mistaken. I am advised that none of our health regulators imposes any restrictions relating to citizenship, asylum status or immigration status. Any health professional can make an application to be registered. An application will be judged solely on the applicant's qualifications and merits by the relevant regulator. I am happy to talk to the Deputies about the issue of how to help people who are not of means with the process and to make information available to them. All the regulators provide routes for the recognition of third country qualifications. These can be used by persons with non-Irish qualifications whether or not they are in direct provision. My message to people is that there is another route. This Bill is about helping people who have already been on a register to get back on it, but there is absolutely a route for people with third country qualifications, including those in direct provision. I will correspond with the three Deputies in that regard.

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