I propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 754, 765, 812 and 829 together.
As the Deputies will be 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.
It is important to be clear that a CTF would only apply to those who are already fully qualified to access the regulated profession in the Member State where they qualified, and only in cases where their training meets the agreed common standards. The general recognition pathway, which allows for a requirement to complete compensation measures, will remain for those who are not trained to CTF level.
Officials have ensured that stakeholders, including the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and higher education institutions, have had the opportunity to engage with work on the CTF and engagement will continue as this work progresses. Officials are due to meet with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in the coming weeks regarding the CTF.
