Health Services

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Ceisteanna (746)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

746. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed EU Common Training Framework (CTF) for physiotherapists; if her Department or CORU (the Health and Social Care Professionals Regulator) has taken a formal position on its introduction ahead of the European Commission's public consultation deadline on 23 June 2026; the steps being taken to ensure that any regulatory framework protects high professional standards and patient safety without creating disproportionate automatic registration barriers for Irish citizens studying physiotherapy in other EU member states who intend to return home to work in the HSE or private healthcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47304/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As 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.

As the Deputy has highlighted, a public consultation on the draft delegated act establishing a CTF is ongoing. 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.