Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
178. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to consider the introduction of a 'pre-registration flag' for candidate registrations to CORU, for persons who have active complaints against them in order that they are heavily vetted before a license is granted. [69152/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health and social care regulator. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended).
CORU already has several established processes in place to support public protection and to identify applicants for registration who may be subject to complaints, investigations, or other regulatory concerns. These include;
Criminal Clearance - Applicants who have resided in another country for a period of one year and one day or more since the age of 18 are required to provide a certified copy of a criminal clearance certificate. A certificate must be provided for each country in which they have lived for that period.
Professional Registration and Regulatory Status - Applicants are required to provide a “Letter of Good Standing” from the relevant regulatory authority in every jurisdiction where they have practised their profession. This requirement also extends to any other regulated profession or occupation in which the applicant has been registered.
Regulatory Information Sharing - CORU checks applicants against alert and information-sharing systems used by other regulators. This includes alerts shared by regulatory bodies such as the UK Health and Care Professions Council and information available through the EU Internal Market Information system. These checks assist in identifying applicants who may be subject to regulatory restrictions, ongoing investigations, or disciplinary proceedings.
Concerns Raised During the Application Process - CORU may receive concerns regarding individuals who are undergoing the registration process. Where relevant concerns are raised, applicants are afforded the opportunity to respond. Any information received, together with the applicant's response, is considered by the relevant Registration Board when determining the application.
