Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is there a need for Statutory Registration?
A. Coru has been established to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among registrants of the designated professions.
Q. Does every Health and Social Care Professional have to be registered?
A. Currenty no but as each register opens for a profession, registration will become mandatory for the Health and Social Care Professionals using any of the designated protected titles. See Protected Titles .
Q. Do I have to register if I am using one of the designated protected titles but I am from another country?
A. Yes, if you wish to practise in Ireland you will have to register.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. No.
Q. Do you have to be a member of a Professional Body to be eligible for registration?
A. No.
Q. Will there be a registration fee?
A. Yes, but this amount has not been determined yet.
Q: Will tax relief be available on my registration fees?
A: The following information has been provided by the Revenue Commissioners:
A tax deduction may be granted in respect of cost incurred on the annual registration fees paid to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council:
(a) For self-employed professionals, that such fee is wholly and exclusively laid out for the purposes of the trade as required under the provisions of section 81 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
(b) For employed professionals, that such fee is wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment as required under the provisions of section 114 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Q. What happens if I am working outside Ireland?
A. If you work outside of Ireland you do not have to be registered with us but you will have to register as soon as you re-enter the country in order to use any of the designated protected titles See Protected Titles.
Q. Does registration cover private practice?
A. Yes, all practitioners who wish to use the designated protected title will have to register.
Q: Can I make a complaint to Coru about a health and social care professional?
A: Not yet. The fitness to practise regime has not yet been established.
Q: If I cannot complaint to Coru, to whom can I make my complaint?
A: You may wish to complain directly to the professional or to their employer or their professional body (see section on regulated professionals for information on professional bodies). Coru has no function in relation to complaints at the moment.
Q: Do I need CPD points in order to get onto the register?
A: No. Coru will not be seeking evidence of CPD for initial registration. The applicant must hold an approved qualification, satisfy the board that they are a fit and proper person and pay the required fee.