Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the ongoing delay in processing registration applications for non-national EU nurses with An Bord Áltranais; if her attention has been drawn to the impact this is having on recruitment of nurses into the health service; the steps she intends to take to address this difficulty; when she last held a meeting with the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21935/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The registration of nurses is the statutory responsibility of An Bord Áltranais. I am informed that the registration section of the board is processing increased volumes of applications for registration, mainly from non-EU applicants applying through nursing recruitment agencies contracted by the health services to recruit nurses.

The board is working closely with the nursing recruitment agencies and with the Health Service Executive and the nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention national project to ensure that all applications for registration are processed in an efficient and timely manner, and ensuring that each applicant meets requirements and standards for registration. Nursing agencies receive weekly reports updating on the progress of applications through the registration process and every assistance is given to agencies in regard to registration requirements to guide them in the recruitment process.

An Bord Áltranais is a regulatory body, and there is no statutory requirement for the Minister to hold a formal meeting with the board. However my Department will request regular updates from the board on this issue.