Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a fully qualified nurse (details supplied) from Croatia has been refused registration as a nurse here and cannot therefore obtain hospital work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8492/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the registration of nurses under the Nurses Act 1985. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that An Bord Altranais must process each application thoroughly to ensure 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 discharges its functions in a professional manner.

An Bord Altranais, as the competent authority in the Republic of Ireland, utilises Directive 77/453/EEC to inform its strategy for assessing non-EU applications for registration from applicants qualified as nurses in countries outside of the EU. The assessment also includes reference to relevant post-registration education and relevant post-registration clinical practice experience. Given the statutory functions of the board it would not be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in individual applications for registration.