Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Part of the resolution to this is more resources for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, NMBI, in order that they can do their work more quickly and people are not left waiting around. I appreciate the point Deputy Nash makes. I have a concern about qualified nurses working for lower wages but I understand the Deputy's point. This is not ideal. If the paperwork could be completed and the nurses could be ready to go, that would be ideal. They are obviously working as nurses when they are being preceptored on the wards. That is a different scenario from the adaptation period. I think that is more than adequately dealt with. However, there is a problem processing the paperwork. I am not certain this amendment would fix it but I appreciate the intention and I would certainly welcome being part of that discussion. I am aware of this issue. I am not sure this amendment would fix it, but it does need to be fixed.