The European Commission against NMBI’s English Language Qualification Policy in Ireland: Calls for Review
Dublin: The European Union has voiced its opposition to the recent decision by the Irish government, which imposes stringent language proficiency requirements on nurses and midwives from other EU member states seeking to work in Ireland. This decision has raised concerns about potential barriers to entry for skilled healthcare professionals and has drawn criticism from the European Commission, which alleges the imposition of unjustifiable restrictions.
The European Commission has taken a formal step by issuing a notice to Ireland for non-compliance with the EU’s Professional Qualifications Directive. Under this directive, healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives, along with doctors, dentists, pharmacists, architects, and veterinary surgeons, have the privilege of automatic qualification recognition and the ability to practice within EU member states. Certain other professions, such as sailors, lawyers, and aircraft controllers, also enjoy the freedom to practice across EU borders.
The ongoing dispute between Ireland and the European Union underscores the importance of harmonising professional qualification standards within the EU, especially in critical sectors like healthcare, to facilitate the mobility of skilled professionals across member states.
The proposal aims to enhance professional mobility and qualification recognition in the EU.
Two years ago, applicants from European countries faced a requirement to pass language proficiency tests as a means of demonstrating their English language skills. The basis for this requirement was cited as a lack of language proficiency among applicants.
The European Commission has criticised this approach, deeming it “unjustifiable” to restrict the evidence that nurses can present to prove their English language qualifications.
In a statement, the European Commission emphasised the significance of EU rules in addressing the shortage of skilled workers across the European Union. Consequently, the Commission has issued a formal notice, asserting that Ireland’s actions are in violation of European law. Ireland now has a two-month window to provide a response to this notice.
According to data from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, there were approximately 81,000 registered nurses and midwives in Ireland as of June 2022. Of this total, less than 4 percent were from other EU countries.
The majority, accounting for 66 percent, were Irish registered nurses, although many of them were not in permanent employment. Indian nurses constituted 14 percent of the registered nursing staff in the previous year, followed by nurses from the Philippines at 7 percent and those from the UK at 4.1 percent.
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