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

I can confirm that there is no statutory limit on the time taken to receive CORU registration.

However, I can provide information on the average time from when an application for registration is submitted on-line to the date an applicant is added to the register currently stands at 67 days as highlighted in the table below.

Average Processing Times (in days) by Profession

Professionals who qualify within the State can apply directly for registration after completing a programme of education approved by CORU, while professionals who qualify outside the State are required to have their qualifications assessed and recognised as equivalent to the relevant Irish qualification before they can complete the registration process.

The average timelines for a recognition decision tend to be longer than registration timelines. Delivering a recognition decision is a complex process and the initial phase 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.

For the recognition decision process to commence an application must be deemed file complete; this can take a number of weeks. Once a recognition application has been deemed ‘file complete’, there is a portfolio-style assessment of all information provided (including a qualification’s alignment with the standards of proficiency required in Ireland and an assessment of professional experience and lifelong learning where required) and a recommendation is formulated by the relevant assessors. The assessors’ recommendation is then considered by the relevant registration board and a final decision on recognition is made. The table below highlights the average number of days by profession, at end Q1 2024, from when an application went ‘file complete’ to a final decision being communicated.

Section 42A of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended) sets out the timelines in respect of the recognition process. A recognition application must be acknowledged within one month of an applicant submitting an application, indicating whether all required documents have been submitted or what missing information still needs to be provided by the applicant. Once a complete application has been acknowledged, CORU has four months to notify the applicant of the recognition decision.

While the registration process can commence before a recognition decision has been reached, they are two distinct processes and registration cannot be completed until a positive recognition decision is made. CORU’s 2024 rollout of a new integrated application system to all professions (it currently operates for the recently opened Social Care Workers register only) will allow for a more streamlined and efficient process for all applicants, in particular international applicants.

This new system will offer a single integrated process and better sight of progress through the system for applicants, as well as enhanced reporting capabilities. In addition, CORU are implementing additional initiatives which are expected to result in a further reduction in recognition timelines in the coming months.