Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2444. To ask the Minister for Health the current processing times for applications for registration with CORU by physiotherapists; if any delays are being experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37844/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

CORU has provided a breakdown of the average processing times for applications for registration from physiotherapists received from 2016 to date.

As is apparent from this data, the period required to process such applications has improved in 2021. CORU has also informed the Department that the registration time from submission of completed application form is typically shorter than that presented in the data because the current system cannot ascertain when a completed application was submitted, only when the process started online. Significant outliers in which an applicant has not provided information for a significant period of time negatively skew the dataset.

This data reflects standard applications and does not include a number of outstanding grandparenting applications as the grandparenting period is now closed. CORU is currently prioritising these complex applications, the majority of which are incomplete and need to provide further documentation before they can be registered.

I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU earlier this year and raised the issue of timeframes for recognition of qualifications and registration. Following our discussion, a variety of measures have been initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes.