91997E3824

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3824/97 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (28 November 1997)

Subject: Situation of podiatry in Europe

What is the situation in the EU with regard to the recognition of qualifications and the freedom of movement of non-medical health professionals, with particular reference to:

1. the situation of podiatry in Europe,

2. existing Community directives in the field of podiatry or non-medical health professions,

3. the possibility of EU funding for the free exchange of university and college students,

4. the possibility of EU funding for refresher courses for non-medical health professionals.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (2 February 1998)

1. According to the information available to the Commission, chiropody (pediatry) is a regulated profession in all the Member States, except Belgium and Greece.

2. Chiropody and the non-medical health professions are governed, in the case of regulated professions, by Council Directive 89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988 on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration ((OJ L 19, 24.1.1989. )) or by Council Directive 92/51/EEC of 18 June 1992 on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EEC ((OJ L 209, 24.7.1992. )).

3. The Community provides financial assistance for exchanges of university students under the Socrates programme (Chapter I: Higher education (Erasmus)) in all higher-education disciplines.

The national authorities decide which higher-education establishments are eligible to participate in the programme.

Students of chiropody at eligible establishments that have concluded an 'institutional contract' with the Commission may obtain a mobility grant to cover part of their travel expenses and differences in living costs.

4. Specific training measures for members of the non-medical health professions can be funded under the multi-purpose Leonardo da Vinci programme, subject, however, to two main conditions: such measures must be innovative and must be transnational in character (involving at least three Member States in most cases).