Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the opportunity to raise this issue and the Minister for attending. I seek clarification on whether funding will be made available for the provision of what is now mandatory continuing professional development. The Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, is hosting an European seating symposium. I welcome that under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 a system of mandatory registration is coming into being for professionals. From a reply I received a number of weeks ago on a different issue I note that it has been decided to commence with two professions, social workers and physiotherapists.

One very important aspect of that mandatory registration will be a commitment to continuing professional development and that it will be obligatory for people to attend a minimum of events for continuing professional development. An issue has arisen that in light of the economic situation, it may not be possible for services to provide financial support for professionals working within the public service for continuing professional development. I appreciate there is an obligation on both parties to reach common ground and perhaps some sort of compromise and that financial support may take the form of a partial subsidy. Some of the CPD events are quite costly and if it is not possible to make a financial subsidy available, particularly for those in the public service who are PAYE workers, would it be possible to consider a tax relief?

The CRC will host the international European Seating Symposium this September. While it expects more than 500 people to attend, the vast majority will come from abroad and Irish physiotherapists and occupational therapists are indicating generally that they will not be able to attend because their places cannot be funded. I would appreciate any clarity the Minister can provide on this.