3455. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the Government’s plans at National and EU level to ensure that the EU Common Training Framework proposal for physiotherapists does not undermine the high level of training that physiotherapists have in Ireland; and if she will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to ally their serious concerns regarding this EU framework. [60231/26]

As the Deputy 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.

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 have met with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists regarding the 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.