Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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57. To ask the Minister for Health the progress he has made, along with CORU, to streamline the timeframe to complete the recognition of qualifications and registration of those with non-Irish qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39388/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that officials in my department are in regular contact with CORU where the matter of recognition and registration timelines have been discussed. CORU has made significant progress to reduce both recognition and registration timelines throughout 2024.

Regarding the recognition of non-Irish qualifications, recognition timelines from when a complete application has been received to a decision being made have significantly reduced since the start of 2024. Statistics provided by CORU show a decrease from an average of 88 days in January to 41 days in August, with some fluctuations month to month. This is despite the number of applications for recognition of non-Irish qualifications continuing to rise. A detailed breakdown by month and profession for 2024 is provided for information purposes and is being shared with the deputy.

There has also been significant improvement in average registration timelines generally, with an additional 3,000 applicants added to the register between March and August. Processing times have reduced over the same time period from 76 days in March to 45 days in August for all applicants. A detailed breakdown by month and profession from March to August 2024 is also provided for the deputy’s information.

These improvements are a result of several new initiatives and programmes of work to support changes being undertaken by CORU and include:

• The introduction of new pathways to recognition, in particular the Frequently Seen Qualifications programme which includes both programme alignment and standards alignment (currently in place for UK professional qualifications where standards align with those of Ireland). When good alignment of standards/qualifications can be confirmed, such applications do not require an individualised approach to recognition and can be ‘automatically’ recognised. The process currently applies to those presenting with UK qualifications only but CORU hope to expand the initiative to other countries going forward.
• Improvements resulting from the new integrated application/registrant system (currently in place for social care workers only but roll out for all professions expected by end-November).
• Delegation of low-risk decisions to the registrar which significantly reduces the timeline for recognition applications from a complete file being received to a final recognition decision.
• Improved engagement with stakeholders, including improved guidance material and simplification of document requirements.
• New training and procedures integration for assessors of applications, board members and the CORU recognition team.