The union-negotiated cap on professional registration fees for health and social care professionals (HSCPs) will stay in place if the new public service agreement is accepted in ballots of union members.

In recent years, a growing number of HSCPs have been required to register with CORU, the statutory body that regulates the professions, in order to continue practising.

Dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and speech and language therapists are currently regulated by CORU. Clinical biochemists, counsellors, orthoptists, podiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and social care workers will also come under CORU regulation in the coming period.

On foot of a Fórsa demand, the annual registration fee was reduced from €295 to €100 under the 2013 Haddington Road agreement. The union has successfully insisted that the cap remain in place when subsequent public service deals were negotiated, and it’s now been confirmed that the €100 cap will be retained if Building Momentum is accepted. 

Fórsa also has a protection scheme in place to provide support, guidance and professional legal advice, at no extra cost, if a Fórsa member in the professions is subject to a CORU complaint or ‘fitness to practise’ procedure. You can get the details HERE.