Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

185. To ask the Minister for Health if he will request an organisation to expedite the degree recognition process in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40207/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a matter relating to the recognition application of an individual health and social care professional, the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU), the State regulator in this regard has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.

Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

186. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to improve waiting times for the process by which social workers who have qualified in the UK must apply to an organisation (details supplied) in order to have their qualifications recognised before they can start working here and avail of existing job offers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40208/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the need to ensure that the health services have timely access to the recruitment of health professionals and the efficient registration of new graduates and those seeking recognition of qualifications acquired outside the State.

In accordance with EU and national law, applications for recognition of qualifications acquired outside the State must be completed within four months.

Driven by a number of factors including the improved economic climate and the increasing number of professional registers, the volume of applicants seeking recognition has more than doubled since 2015. In response CORU has allocated additional resources, including additional staff, to ensure that the timelines stipulated by law are met. CORU endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, however the overarching objective is patient safety and CORU must ensure that each applicant fulfils all of the criteria required for registration.

In line with CORU’s strategic objectives and an ongoing programme of improvement, an online system for making applications is currently being tested and finalised. The new system will provide a platform for the receipt and processing of applications, removing the requirement for paper submissions. It is envisaged that this system will be operational in the coming months and will greatly assist both the applicant and CORU in the processing of applications for recognition of qualifications.