Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
483. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on the proposed European Common Training Framework for physiotherapy; if she will engage with an organisation (details supplied) regarding their concerns to ensure that the standard of physiotherapy care in Ireland is safeguarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48583/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware work on establishing an EU Common Training Framework (CTF) for physiotherapists is ongoing. Officials in my department are actively engaged in this work, including as members of the Subgroup on Common Training Frameworks where they have worked to actively inform and shape the proposed CTF.
I understand that Commission adoption is planned for Q3 this year and Ireland will then indicate whether it will participate in the CTF.
No decision has been made in relation to Ireland’s participation in the CTF however I am of the view that a CTF would be beneficial and that in the context of Ireland’s workforce requirements there is a need to adapt and ensure professionals can work safely in our healthcare system. A CTF would reduce the barriers to EU/EEA trained physiotherapists registering in Ireland while safeguarding a consistent standard of competence.
Officials in my department will meet with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in the coming weeks regarding the CTF.
