Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Minister for Health if medical degrees achieved in Moldova are recognised to allow doctors to practice here; the steps needed to be taken to allow a Moldovan qualified doctor to practice in the State [26439/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Medical Council is the regulator for medical practitioners in this State. Under that Act, it is an offence to practice medicine in Ireland if not registered with the Council.

For the purpose of registration, the Medical Council currently recognises basic medical qualifications which are at least the equivalent of a basic medical qualification awarded within the State. In general, the Medical Council recognises basic medical qualifications awarded by schools listed in the current edition of the World Health Organisation (“WHO” or “AVICENNA”) Directory of Medical Schools. Currently, two medical schools in Moldova are listed in AVICENNA - the State Medical & Pharmaceutical University “Nicolae Testemitanu” of the Republic of Moldova, and the Free International University of Moldova. Medical practitioners who have qualified in one of these medical schools may apply for registration with the Medical Council.

Applicants for general registration are required to provide documentation which confirms their medical qualifications, identity, and good standing in all jurisdictions in which they have held registration. Comprehensive checklists of documents required for registration are provided in the application forms. Where an applicant’s qualifications are not automatically recognized under EU legislation - as in the case of a medical practitioner qualified in Moldova - they are required to pass or be exempt from the pre-registration exam, the PRES and this requirement will apply to Moldovan qualified medical practitioners applying for general registration.