Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1698. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a system whereby Ukrainian refugees in Ireland that are qualified in areas such as psychology can help in the settlement of their fellow refugees through the provision of therapy in both English and Ukrainian; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/22]

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

CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards.

While the professions of psychologist, counsellor and psychotherapist are designated for regulation under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), those who have qualifications obtained from abroad in these professions are not currently required to apply for the recognition of their qualification with CORU.

To date, CORU has not received any applications from either Ukrainian or non-Ukrainian professionals who have obtained qualifications in Ukraine in areas such as psychology.

CORU has received a number of enquiries from this cohort and has provided advice and assistance to those who have made contact. Those who make enquiries with CORU are provided with

- a copy of the amended recognition application form in English and Ukrainian, and

- a guidance document setting out the amended approach and steps for Ukrainian applicants.

The HSE has established a registration portal to collect the details of those people from Ukraine who may be interested in working in health and social care in Ireland. The HSE communicates with those registered to provide information, including on CORU registration.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.