Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

439. To ask the Minister for Health the current average processing time for the CORU international recognition process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20516/23]

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

CORU have indicated that the average time required to deliver a recognition decision from receipt of a complete application was 69 days in Q3 and Q4 of 2022. The average time for 2022 overall was 75 days.

It should be noted that every application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to CORU is assessed on a case-by-case basis and I am satisfied that CORU deal with all applications in a timely manner from receipt of application through providing a final decision. In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021.

Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and includes checking and verifying of all evidence supplied such as: evidence of eligibility to practice; degree certificates; transcripts and course curriculums/syllabi/module descriptors; additional training and/or education; and relevant work experience. CORU require this information to be notarised/verified by the relevant body to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation/verification requirements in the guidance notes available.

Following the submission of a complete application, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all of the required information, formulation of a recommendation by a team of experts, and consideration of that recommendation and final decision by the Registration Board. In some cases, this involves a request for, and analysis of, additional information. This is to ensure that professionals meet the standards of proficiency (the minimum standards required for entry to the profession in Ireland) and to ensure public protection and safety.

Applicants submit their applications via an online portal and can communicate with the team via email or telephone, as needed, to clarify issues as the process progresses.

Applicants are given extensive guidance notes on CORU's website and online application portal. CORU's phone lines are open daily from 10am to 1pm and emails are responded to as per service level agreements as set out in CORU's customer charter (2 days). Telephone calls are also facilitated outside of these times where necessary.

CORU has undertaken numerous measures aimed at reducing timeframes which are listed below:

• The process for recognition of international qualifications has been fully digital since September 2021.
• Guidance notes were updated and guidance has also been incorporated into the front-end online application portal which should assist applicants to submit a complete application when undertaking the application process.
• Work has also been ongoing to identify possible new approaches for recognition of international qualifications. In addition, new systems operable within the law as it stands are being researched and tested to speed up the process.
• CORU also invite applicants whose files are considered complete to apply for registration so that the recognition and registration tasks can processed in parallel.
• The frequency of Registration Board meetings has also been increased to allow for quicker decision-making.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

440. To ask the Minister for Health how many international qualifications were recognised by CORU in 2021 and 2022 for physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20517/23]

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

A total of 133 international qualifications in physiotherapy were recognised by CORU in 2022. The number in 2021 was 130.

It should be noted that every application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to CORU is assessed on a case-by-case basis .In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions in total on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021.

Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and includes checking and verifying of all evidence supplied such as: evidence of eligibility to practice; degree certificates; transcripts and course curriculums/syllabi/module descriptors; additional training and/or education; and relevant work experience. CORU require this information to be notarised/verified by the relevant body to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation/verification requirements in the guidance notes available.

Following the submission of a complete application, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all of the required information, formulation of a recommendation by a team of experts, and consideration of that recommendation and final decision by the Registration Board. In some cases, this involves a request for, and analysis of, additional information. This is to ensure that professionals meet the standards of proficiency (the minimum standards required for entry to the profession in Ireland) and to ensure public protection and safety.

Applicants submit their applications via an online portal and can communicate with the team via email or telephone, as needed, to clarify issues as the process progresses.

Applicants are given extensive guidance notes on CORU's website and online application portal. CORU's phone lines are open daily from 10am to 1pm and emails are responded to as per service level agreements as set out in CORU's customer charter (2 days). Telephone calls are also facilitated outside of these times where necessary.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

441. To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that processing times in CORU, particularly for the international recognition process, are acceptable and that such applications are dealt with in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20518/23]

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

It should be noted that every application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to CORU is assessed on a case-by-case basis and I am satisfied that CORU deal with all applications in a timely manner from receipt of application through providing a final decision. In 2022, CORU’s Registration Boards made 48% more decisions on applications for recognition of international qualifications than they had in 2021.

Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and includes checking and verifying of all evidence supplied such as: evidence of eligibility to practice; degree certificates; transcripts and course curriculums/syllabi/module descriptors; additional training and/or education; and relevant work experience. CORU require this information to be notarised/verified by the relevant body to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation/verification requirements in the guidance notes available.

Following the submission of a complete application, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all of the required information, formulation of a recommendation by a team of experts, and consideration of that recommendation and final decision by the Registration Board. In some cases, this involves a request for, and analysis of, additional information. This is to ensure that professionals meet the standards of proficiency (the minimum standards required for entry to the profession in Ireland) and to ensure public protection and safety.

Applicants submit their applications via an online portal and can communicate with the team via email or telephone, as needed, to clarify issues as the process progresses.

Applicants are given extensive guidance notes on CORU's website and online application portal. CORU's phone lines are open daily from 10am to 1pm and emails are responded to as per service level agreements as set out in CORU's customer charter (2 days). Telephone calls are also facilitated outside of these times where necessary.

CORU has undertaken numerous measures aimed at reducing timeframes which are listed below:

- The process for recognition of international qualifications has been fully digital since September 2021.

- Guidance notes were updated and guidance has also been incorporated into the front-end online application portal which should assist applicants to submit a complete application when undertaking the application process.

- Work has also been ongoing to identify possible new approaches for recognition of international qualifications. In addition, new systems operable within the law as it stands are being researched and tested to speed up the process.

- CORU also invite applicants whose files are considered complete to apply for registration so that the recognition and registration tasks can processed in parallel.

The frequency of Registration Board meetings has also been increased to allow for quicker decision-making.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

442. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide information on excessive delays in the processing of the qualifications of an international recognition applicant (details supplied) by CORU. [20519/23]

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

CORU have confirmed that they have received confirmation of eligibility to practise the profession from the applicant’s Competent Authority. The applicant is now deemed file complete as of the 28-04-23 and will progress on to the assessment stage of the recognition process. The applicant has been updated on his status.

CORU has been in contact with the applicant and has advised of the further action taken in this instance to progress the application for recognition.