All pharmacists wishing to practice in the Republic of Ireland must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
The PSI has three qualification recognition routes:
The “Third country route” includes all countries that are not part of the European Union or that are not part of the European Economic Area (non-EU/EEA). From 1 January 2021 (after Brexit), all applicants from the UK and Northern Ireland will be required to apply via the Third Country route which consists of a two-part process as described below.
According to Section 16 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, which regulates the practice and profession of pharmacist in Ireland, all applicant’s qualifications must be recognised as appropriate for practice in Ireland. Applicants holding an UK or NI qualification may be able to proceed to recognition in a one step process under Rule 18 (1). However, other 'Third Country' Applicants will continue to be subject to a 4 step process, which takes considerably longer.
Processing under Rule 18 (1) is very similar to the 'Automatic Recognition under the Professional Qualifications Directive' process, which was what was previously applicable to those qualified in NI and UK.
All applicants must submit an application for registration as a pharmacist with the PSI Registry according to the criteria specified in Section 14 of the Pharmacy Act 2007.
Applicants from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland who want their qualification to be assessed under Rule 18 (1) and to apply for registration must use this application form.
For more information on the Third Country route, please visit the PSI website and take a look at the most Frequently asked questions.