Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

These amendments are for clarification as to what the board may include in regard to criteria in rules.

Amendment No. 3 clarifies what criteria can be used for assessing applications for registration. It provides that criteria can include: qualifications, education and training; relevant competencies for registration; possession of sufficient knowledge of language or languages necessary to practise as a nurse or midwife in the State; requirements for relevant post registration experience or clinical experience; and any other matters in regard to the setting of criteria that is necessary or desirable for the protection of the public. It is important that this is clarified, in particular in regard to language proficiency.

Amendment No. 4 sets out proposed amendments in section 13(2)(l) and (m), which provide for the setting of criteria for the purpose of education and training and those who have not practised for a time. The amendment clarifies that the criteria relate to: persons seeking admission to education and training programmes; bodies which may deliver education and training programmes; bodies which may deliver education and training; and any other matters in regard to the setting of criteria which is necessary for the protection of the public. The amendment also sets out the power of the board to set criteria and conditions for persons wishing to return to practise nursing or midwifery after not having practised for a period which the board will specify in rules.

The criteria or conditions will include: the education and training of those persons; possession of sufficient knowledge of language or languages necessary to practise as a nurse or midwife in the State; the manner of verifying that the person possesses the relevant competencies; and any other matters in regard to the setting of criteria that is necessary or desirable for the protection of the public.