Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications
Important New Information (June 2009) - click here to read first.
Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, applies to all Member State nationals wishing to practice a regulated profession in a Member State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications, on either a self-employed or employed basis. Its intention is to make it easier for qualified professionals, including certain health professionals, to practice their professions in European countries other than their own but due safeguards are provided in the assessment of the qualification for public health and safety and consumer protection.
The Directive consolidates earlier Directives on the mutual recognition of certain qualifications and a general system for the recognition of qualifications where no mutual recognition exists.
A list of relevant Competent Authorities under the Directive is available here. All queries on the recognition of qualifications and on temporary provision of services should be addressed to the relevant Competent Authority.
Qualifications
Validation is the process whereby non-Irish qualifications are assessed under EU Directive 2005/36 for their equivalence to the Irish qualifications required to work in the public health sector in Ireland. These qualifications may be subject to amendment from time to time by the Health Service Executive. Certain professions, listed below, cannot be employed in the statutory health service unless their qualifications have been validated by the compentent authority.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment requires Working Permit Visa/Green Card applicants from non-EEA countries to be in possession of a letter of validation. Information on the Working Permit Visa/Green Card scheme is available at: www.entemp.ie.
Temporary Provision of Service
For all Health and Social Care Professions, a guidance note on the requirement of the Directive is available here and the Declaration Form in respect of the temporary provision of services is available here
Competent Authority: Department of Health and Children:
Contact: validation_unit@health.irlgov.ie
Analytical Chemist
Audiologist (please see information below)
Biochemist (please see information below)
Dietitian (please see information below)
Environmental Health Officer (please see information below)
Medical Physicist (please see information below)
Orthoptist (please see information below)
Psychologist (please see information below)
Designated Authority: HSE -Western Area (on behalf of Department of Health and Children):
Occupational Therapist please see information below
Radiographer (Diagnostic) please see information below
Radiographer (Therapeutic) please see information below
Speech and Language Therapist please see information below
Contact details for the professional Bodies of the above (not validated by the Department) are listed below:
| Medical Laboratory Scientist: | The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science 31 Old Kilmainham Dublin 8 Tel: 01 677 5602 Website: www.amls.ie |
| Ophthalmic Optician/Optometrist: The Opticians Board |
18 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 12 Tel: 01 676 7416 Email: opticiansboard@eircom.net |
| Pharmacists: Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
18 Shrewsbury Road Dublin 4 Tel: 01 2184000 Website: www.pharmaceuticalsociety.ie |
| Physiotherapist: Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists |
Royal College of Surgeons St Stephens Green Dublin 2 Tel: 01 402 2148 Website: www.iscp.ie |
| Social Worker: National Social Work Qualifications Board |
8-11 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6766281 Website: www.nswqb.ie |
Queries in respect of the different professions should be addressed to the relevant competent authority. The validation process takes approximately 2-4 months from the date of application. Applicants will be informed as quickly as possible of the outcome of their application.
All documents which are submitted must be notarised as true copies of the originals and certified translations must be provided where necessary.
Audiologist
The Department of Health and Children is the designated authority with responsibility for validating non-Irish qualifications. Applicants should submit a job offer from the prospective employer (on official headed paper) indicating that your qualifications meet the Irish standards.
Biochemist
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Biochemist - Basic Grade, set out that you must have obtained a degree in which Biochemistry was taken as a subject in the final examination, or equivalent.
Other necessary qualifications for health service employment in this grade, which are not evaluated at the validation process stage, include suitability, age, health and character.
The Minister for Health is the Designated Authority with the responsibility for validating non-Irish national qualifications. If you wish to have your qualification assessed, the following documentation is required in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your qualification:-
1. a copy of your original diploma/degree and a transcript of all examination results showing subjects studied and grades obtained;
2. a certified statement from the relevant educational institute detailing the syllabus of the course of education and training which you undertook i.e. subjects taken in each year, subject content, number of hours of study in each subject, type of practice placements (i.e. location, duration, supervision etc.);
3. documentation to indicate that your qualification entitles you to practice as a Biochemist in the country where you qualified;
4. details of your professional experience, if any, (i.e. name(s) and address(es) of employer(s), type of hospital or institution, employment commencement and cessation dates, title of post held, full-time status, practical experience in the profession);
5. evidence of your professional experience (i.e. letters of confirmation from your employer(s), references etc.);
6. documentary proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate and passport details).
7. completed applications (2 copies) should be returned to the address below accompanied by a cheque, postal order or bank draft for 150 euro made payable to the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland and drawn on an Irish bank. Under no circumstances should cash accompany this application.
All documentation must be notarised as true copies of the originals and certified translations of the originals must be provided where necessary.
Download Biochemist checklist
Please forward your documentation to the following address:-
Validation Unit
National HR and Workforce Planning
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2
Ireland
Dietitian
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Dietitian, set out that you must (a) possess the B.Sc degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Dublin, or (b) possess the Diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition from the College of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin, or (c) possess a qualification in Dietetics at least equivalent to (a) or (b).
Other necessary qualifications for health service employment in this grade, which are not evaluated at the validation process stage, include suitability, age, health and character.
The Minister for Health and Children is the designated authority with responsibility for validating non-Irish qualifications. The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute provide advice to the Department of Health and Children on the assessment of applications.
In order to have your qualification assessed, the following documentation is required:-
1. A copy of all your diploma(s) and/or degree(s) leading to your qualification in Dietetics. (If a post-graduate qualification in dietetics is presented please include any undergraduate qualifications).
2. A certified transcript of all your examination results for each course in Dietetics*, showing the subjects examined and the grades obtained.
3. A copy of the syllabus of the Nutrition and Dietetics course*, which you undertook showing:
a. details of subjects taken in each year, subject content, and the number of hours of study in each subject, and
b. details of the type of practice placements you undertook (i.e. location, duration, supervision etc.)
4. Documentation to indicate that your qualification entitles you to practice as a Dietitian in the country where you qualified.*
5. Details of your professional experience (if any). Include the name(s), and address(es) of employer(s), type of hospital or institution, employment commencement and cessation dates, title of post held, full-time status, and practical experience in the profession.
- Include your CV
- Include letters of confirmation of your employment and your professional experience from your employer(s).
6. Proof of Citizenship:
a. A copy of your birth certificate, and
b. A copy of your passport details.
c. A marriage certificate, if applicable, where there is a change of surname.
7. Completed applications (2 copies) should be returned to the address below accompanied by a cheque, postal order or bank draft for 150 euro made payable to the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and drawn on an Irish bank. Under no circumstances should cash accompany this application.
All documentation must be notarised as true copies of the originals and certified translations of the originals must be provided where necessary.
Download Dietitians checklist
Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute guidlines for validation applications.
* Candidates with a qualification in Dietetics from the University of Ulster from 2003 onwards do not have to provide the documentation listed under Numbers 3 and 4 above.
Documents should be submitted to:
Validation Unit
National HR and Workforce Planning
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2,
Ireland
Applications are considered at meetings held approximately every 2 months. Applicants are informed as quickly as possible of the outcome of the application. Information on dietetics in Ireland can be obtained on www.indi.ie
Environmental Health Officer
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Environmental Health Officer, set out that you must possess (i) a recognised degree in Environmental Health or (ii) a qualification in Health Inspection awarded prior to 10th, December, 1982, and recognised by the Minister for Health or (iii) an equivalent qualification declared by the Minister for Health.
Other necessary qualifications for health service employment in this grade, which are not evaluated at the validation process stage, include suitability, age, health and character.
The Department of Health and Children is the designated authority with the responsibility for validating non-Irish National qualifications. The following documentation is required in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your qualification:-
1. a copy of your original diploma/degree and a transcript of all examination results showing subjects studied and grades obtained;
2. a certified statement from the relevant educational institute detailing the syllabus of the course of education and training which you undertook i.e. subjects taken in each year, subject content, number of hours of study in each subject, type of practice placements (i.e. location, duration, supervision etc.);
3. documentation to indicate that your qualification entitles you to practice as an Environmental Health Officer in the country where you qualified;
4. details of your professional experience, if any, (i.e. name(s) and address(es) of employer(s), type of hospital or institution, employment commencement and cessation dates, title of post held, full-time status, practical experience in the profession);
5. evidence of your professional experience (i.e. letters of confirmation from your employer(s), references etc.);
6. documentary proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate and passport details).
All documentation must be notarised as true copies of the originals and certified translations of the originals must be provided where necessary.
Download Environmental Health Officer checklist
Please forward your documentation to the following address:-
Validation Unit
National HR and Workforce Planning
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2
Ireland
Medical Physicist
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Physicist, set out that you must hold a recognised first or second class honours degree in which Physics was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject or hold a recognised qualification at least equivalent thereto.
Other necessary qualifications for health service employment in this grade, which are not evaluated at the validation process stage, include suitability, age, health and character.
The Minister for Health is the Designated Authority with the responsibility for validating non-Irish national qualifications. If you wish to have your qualification assessed, the following documentation is required in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your qualification:-
1. a copy of your original diploma/degree and a transcript of all examination results showing subjects studied and grades obtained;
2. a certified statement from the relevant educational institute detailing the syllabus of the course of education and training which you undertook i.e. subjects taken in each year, subject content, number of hours of study in each subject, type of practice placements (i.e. location, duration, supervision etc.);
3. documentation to indicate that your qualification entitles you to practice as a Medical Physicist in the country where you qualified;
4. details of your professional experience, if any, (i.e. name(s) and address(es) of employer(s), type of hospital or institution, employment commencement and cessation dates, title of post held, full-time status, practical experience in the profession);
5. evidence of your professional experience (i.e. letters of confirmation from your employer(s), references etc.);
6. documentary proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate and passport details).
All documentation must be notarised as true copies of the originals and certified translations of the originals must be provided where necessary.
Download Medical Physicist checklist
Please forward your documentation to the following address:-
Validation Unit
National HR and Workforce Planning
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2
Ireland
Orthoptist
The Department of Health and Children is the designated authority with responsibility for validating non-Irish qualifications. Applicants should submit a job offer from the prospective employer (on official headed paper) indicating that your qualifications meet the Irish standards.
Please forward your documentation to the following address:-
Validation Unit
National HR and Workforce Planning
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Dublin 2
Ireland
Psychologist
Please read the Information Note on the recognition of non-Irish qualifications in Psychology
There are four sets of information and application scrutiny forms, one for each Office of employment in the Irish Health Services. The four areas are:
Office of Clinical Psychologist
Office of Psychologist in Community Care, designated area of Educational Psychology
Office of Psychologist in Community Care, designated area of Counselling Psychology
Office of Psychologist in Community Care, designated area of Health Psychology
Applicants are advised that the fee for applications received after 15 July 2009 will be €500, by cheque, postal order or bank draft made payable to the Psychological Society of Ireland and drawn on an Irish bank. This increase, which will apply to each of the four professional areas, is to provide for the real cost of processing applications. (The current nominal charge for applications is €183).
From 15 July 2009, no hand-written applications will be accepted. The electronic version of the application form, available from validation_unit@health.irlgov.ie or as downloads above, should completed in typed text, signed and submitted with appropriate accompanying documentation to the Validation Unit.
Some applicants may be requested to provide more information on clinical placements. If specifically requested to do so, you should complete the Further information of Clinical Placements form
A list of national contact points for Directive 2005/36/EC is here.
Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Radiographers
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Occupational Therapist, set out that you must possess (a) the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Dublin, or, (b) the Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy, or, (c) a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b). Download Occupational therapist form
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Speech and Language Therapist, set out that you must (a) possess the B.Sc degree (Clinical Speech and Language Studies) from the University of Dublin, or, (b) possess the B.Sc degree (Remedial Linguistics) from the University of Dublin, or, possess the Licentiatieship of the College of Speech Therapists, or, (d) possess a qualification in speech therapy at least equivalent to (a), (b) or (c). Download Speech and Language Therapist form
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Radiographer (Diagnostic), set out that you must (a) possess the Diploma of the College of Radiographers (R), or, (b) possess a qualification at least equivalent to (a).
Download Radiographer Diagnostic Form A and B from the IIR website
The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Radiographer (Therapy), set out that you must (a) possess the Diploma of the College of Radiographers (T), or, (b) possess a qualification at least equivalent to (a).
Download Radiographer Therapeutic Form A and B from the IIR website
Other necessary qualifications for health service employment in this grade, which are not evaluated at the validation process stage, include suitability, age, health and character.
Validation for these professions is administered by the HSE on behalf of the designated authority, the Department of Health and Children. Queries should be addressed to:
Ms. Annette Lyons
National Validation Project
Professional Education
Health and Social Care Professionals
Health Service Executive
HR Directorate
Merlin Park
Galway
Ireland
Tel: + 353 91 775094
Fax: + 353 91 775863
Email: annette.lyons@mailn.hse.ie
Other useful information:
Careers with the Health Service Executive (HSE)
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health and social services in Ireland. Information on its service is provided on www.hse.ie
All available positions in the HSE are advertised on www.careersinhealthcare.ie and in national and local press each week.
Positions may also be advertised on the Public Appointments Service website www.publicjobs.ie
