Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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136. To ask the Minister for Health for a timeline for the implementation of the HSE pay agreements for retired HSE staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18403/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been requested to reply directly to the Deputy.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Health if he has received any reports on the speed with which CORU can process international recognition of therapists, who were trained overseas and have long working experience overseas at the highest level, where it appears that very demanding detail of all training and working experience is insisted upon, which must be each notarised, and where no facility for in-person exchange is afforded which could unravel some of the complexity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18406/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Officials in my Department are in regular contact with CORU and I am aware of the difficulties that some applicants with non-Irish qualifications face with the recognition process. Please be aware that, across all professions, the average time for a complete application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to receive a decision in 2022 was 75 days. Across the therapist professions, the average time for a complete application for recognition of non-Irish qualifications to receive a decision in the same year was 72 days.

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 to ensure it is true and authentic. Applicants are advised of the documentation and notarisation 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 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.