Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1388. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline his engagement with a regulatory body (details supplied) to address the backlog in the processing of applications for individuals to work as healthcare professionals in the Irish healthcare system. [13232/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I met previously with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU and raised the issue of timeframes for both applications for the recognition of non-Irish qualifications and registration applications. As you may be aware, these are the two forms of application to CORU. An individual can only be admitted to a CORU register when they have demonstrated to their registration board’s satisfaction that they are suitably qualified, have committed to adhere to their profession’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and are a fit and proper person to engage in the profession, which requires being vetted by the National Vetting Bureau.

Following our discussion, several measures were initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes.

Until last year, applicants were required to complete the recognition process before initiating the registration process unless they had confirmed job offers. All applicants are now invited to initiate an application for registration as soon as they have submitted a complete application file to the recognition department. This has the effect of reducing the time required to complete both the recognition and registration processes.

This is part of a suite of innovations that were initiated following my discussions with CORU. Further steps undertaken include:

- Full transfer to an online application system

- Increased frequency of regulatory decision making (Registration Board meetings)

- Assignment of additional temporary staff resources

- Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions

- Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants

- Transition to a new VPN system to improve connectivity

At present the average processing time for applications for recognition is 69 days while the average processing time for applications for registration is 9 weeks.

CORU is currently in the process of procuring a system which will integrate the processes of recognition of international qualifications and registration for all applicants which will further reduce administrative requirements and timeframes for applicants. My Department continues to support CORU in achieving its strategic vision and improving timeframes for all applicants.