Election of Members for Appointment to Registration Boards - Returning Officer's Declaration

Notice of election of members for appointment to the Medical Scientists Registration Board, Optical Registration Board and Social Care Workers Registration Board for nomination was published in The Independent newspaper and on the website of www.coru.ie.

The closing date for receipt of nominations was noon, Friday 11 September 2026.

The following candidates have been declared validly nominated and declared as a candidate for election in their respective categories below.

Medical Scientists Registration Board:

Candidates for election ballot for Category 1: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the practice of the profession

The above candidate has been declared validly nominated and elected, as the number of candidates (one) equals the number of vacancies (one).

Category 2: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the management of services provided by the profession

Since the number of candidates (two) is in excess of the number of vacancies (one), an election shall be held in respect of electoral Category 2. Details of this will be communicated to those eligible to vote in due course. 

Category 3: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the education and training of persons in the practice of the profession

Since the number of candidates (three) is in excess of the number of vacancies (one), an election shall be held in respect of electoral Category 3. Details of this will be communicated to those eligible to vote in due course. 

Optical Registration Board:

Candidates for election ballot in Category 1: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the practice of the profession (Dispensing Optician)

The above candidate has been declared validly nominated and elected, as the number of candidates (one) equals the number of vacancies (one).

Category 2: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the management of services provided by the profession (Optometrist)

The above candidate has been declared validly nominated and elected, as the number of candidates (one) equals the number of vacancies (one).

Category 3: One vacancy for a registrant who is engaged in the education and training of persons in the practice of the profession (Optometrist).

One vacancy remains to be filled. 

Since no nominations were received for one vacancy in this category, in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended) and the bye-law governing the election procedures (S.I. No. 444 of 2023), one member is to be appointed by the Minister under Section 28(6) in respect of Category 1.

Social Care Workers Registration Board:

Candidates for election ballot in Category 1: Two vacancies for a registrant who is engaged in the practice of the profession

As the number of candidates (three) is in excess of the number of vacancies (two), a poll shall be held in respect of electoral Category 1. Details of this will be communicated to those eligible to vote in due course. 

Category 2: Two vacancies for a registrant who is engaged in the management of services of the profession

The above candidates have been declared validly nominated and elected, as the number of candidates (two) equals the number of vacancies (two).

Please refer to the attached document to see the sign Return Officer declaration. 

Clare Quille

Returning Officer

14 September 2026