merrion street

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has today welcomed the passing of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022 through all stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Bill amends the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, and certain un-commenced sections of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020.

The key amendments include enabling holders of UK medical degrees to access intern training posts in Ireland, and with the registration of social care workers during the transition period of the register.

Speaking about the legislation, Minister Donnelly said:

“This Bill will ensure that holders of UK medical degrees, including Irish citizens, can once again take up medical intern posts in the State. Medical students are free to pursue their education in other countries, and often do so in the United Kingdom given our common language and similar educational systems. I want to make sure there are no barriers to prevent graduates returning to Ireland to complete their medical training in Irish hospitals if they so choose.

I welcome the passing of this Bill, which I know has been anxiously awaited by a number of doctors who will now be able to finalise their intern applications for the coming year.”

The Bill will also ensure there is fair and proportionate pathway to registration for social care workers during the grandfathering period of the social care work register which CORU will open in November of this year.

ENDS