Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1602. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 22 June 2022, if the further steps (details supplied) have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I note the Deputy is asking for an update on the suite of innovations outlined in a Parliamentary Question of 22 June 2022 and which had been initiated by CORU to improve recognition and registration times. Please see below the current status of these initiatives:

Full transfer to an online application system (for recognition applications) - an online applications system and new database resource has been fully rolled out.

Increased frequency of regulatory decision-making (Registration Board meetings) - the Registration Board meetings have increased from six per year to nine per year. All recognition decisions on overseas qualifications need to be approved by the relevant registration board and the increased frequency of meetings has helped to speed up this process.

Assignment of additional temporary staff resources - increased staffing at executive and clerical officer level has occurred.

Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions - an update from CORU has been sought in relation to this initiative and is awaited.

Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants - a new VOIP phone system to support applicants by phone and reduce email volume (speeding communications up) has been introduced.