Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in validation of radiography qualifications in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35934/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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For the purposes of the Directive, a regulated profession is defined as a professional activity access to which is subject, directly or indirectly, by virtue of legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions to the possession of specific professional qualifications. Where statutory registration does not exist for a profession in Ireland, non-Irish qualifications are assessed for their equivalence to the Irish entry-level qualifications required to work in the Health Service Executive. The process provides for an assessment, on a case-by-case basis, of the qualifications of an applicant against those required to practise in Ireland on condition that the professional practice is the same in both countries. In the case of radiography qualifications, the process is administered on behalf of my Department by the National Validation Office of the Health Service Executive (NVO) which is advised by the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT).

In the case of the person to whom the Deputy refers, I am advised that the NVO and my Department are awaiting clarification on certain aspects of the application from the IIRRT. When this clarification is received, my Department will be in touch with the applicant.