Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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441. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of qualifications required for employment of health care assistants, including FETAC levels; the bodies that have these requirements; if years of relevant experience can be taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47933/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training, and validates programmes and makes awards for certain providers in these sectors. FETAC awards are awarded by QQI.

Section 22 of the Health Act 2004 gives the HSE the authority to appoint persons to be its employees and may determine their duties. Under Section 22 of the Act, the HSE has responsibility for setting and approving eligibility criteria, including qualifications and relevant experience, for appointments to HSE posts. This includes recruitment to health care assistant posts. In this context, the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.