Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the registration fee in respect of social workers (details supplied). [8914/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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CORU is the umbrella body responsible for protecting the public by regulating health and social care professionals. It includes the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and the 12 registration boards to be established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Health and Social Care Professionals Council was established in March 2007 and has been working to put in place the necessary structures for registration, education and fitness to practise for the twelve health and social care professions designated in the Act. The first registration board under the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, the Social Workers Registration Board, was established in August 2010, with arrangements now being progressed to facilitate the opening of the Social Workers Register to accept registrants of the profession.

CORU will announce the opening of the Social Workers Register shortly and this will mark the start of statutory registration of this profession. CORU will also formally announce the registration fee that will be applicable to registrants of the Social Workers Register, and all subsequent registers, in advance of the opening of this first register. The fees will be set by CORU, having regard to the requirement for the Health and Social Care Professionals Council to be self-funding. CORU has been provided with seed funding by my Department to-date but is expected to become self-funding by charging fees to meet all of its costs.

CORU will enable health and social care professionals to practice in a regulated, controlled and safe environment and registrants will be facilitated in ensuring responsible and accountable practices whilst providing the highest level of patient care and service, and this positive development is very much to be welcomed.

I have also asked that the representative unions concerned be consulted.