John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the requirements for registration in the general division of the register of nurses in respect of training received outside the European Union will be reviewed; if such applicants are informed of all the entry requirements; if credit is given for training hours received outside the EU, which would reduce the number of training hours subsequently required to gain registration; if the reply will be made with particular reference to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4148/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the registration of nurses under the Nurses Act 1985. The Deputy will appreciate that the board is obliged to process each application thoroughly to ensure that 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 have been advised that the board discharges its functions in a professional manner. All applicants are informed of all the entry requirements. Applicants trained outside the EU are assessed. If they meet the board's requirements, credit is given for education and practical experience gained in their country of origin and other states where they have worked. There are no plans to review the requirements for registration in the general division of the register of nurses in respect of training received outside of the European Union as they are benchmarked against EU standards which are legally established. I understand that a decision in the case of the applicant referred to by the Deputy was issued by the board in May 2005. The person subsequently appealed the decision, but the original decision was upheld. A senior official from the board subsequently met the applicant and provided advice on the standards required for registration in Ireland.