Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with An Bord Altranais in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Louth in view of the fact that a letter issued to them on 5 September and 30 September 2005; the reason no reply has been forthcoming in this case; and if she will instruct An Bord Altranais to issue a response. [27211/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Nurses Act 1985, An Bord Altranais is the statutory body which provides for the registration, control and education of nurses and midwives and for other matters relating to the practice of nursing and midwifery. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that An Bord Altranais must be rigorous in processing each application thoroughly and in a secure manner, ensuring that all those entered on the register of nurses are deemed professionally qualified and competent for such registration. The protection of the public underpins this process. I am satisfied that the board is most professional in its discharge of these functions. In 2004, over 3,500 newly registered qualifications were entered on the register.

With regard to individual applications, decisions are normally issued to applicants within six weeks. However, errors or omissions in information supplied by the applicant, or by any other relevant agency or training college, will cause delays. It may be that reasons such as these will have contributed to any delay in the processing of the application.

Given the statutory functions of the board, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in individual applications for registration.