Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the delays being experienced by nurses seeking their registration with An Bord Altranais; if additional resources will be made available to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13983/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives under the Nurses Act, 1985. I am sure that 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. Once An Bord Altranais receives an application form, fee and fully completed documentation needed for the consideration of the application, a decision is reached and the applicant is informed in writing within six weeks.

I have been informed by An Bord Altranais that the most common reason for an increased length in time for processing the application for registration from the receipt of an application form and fee to the issuing of a decision letter is a delay in the receipt of supporting documents. These documents, including transcripts of training and the verification of registration and good standing (for applicants who trained outside Ireland), must come directly from source to An Bord Altranais. At times, An Bord Altranais has experienced a considerable delay in the receipt of these documents. An Bord Altranais endeavours to process applications in a timely manner but must have the documents necessary to support a decision to grant registration. I am satisfied that the Board discharges its functions in a professional manner and the necessity of additional resources is not an issue in this matter.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the delays being experienced by a person (details supplied) seeking registration with An Bord Altranais; if additional resources will be made available to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13984/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives under the Nurses Act, 1985. I am sure that 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 and the necessity of additional resources is not an issue in this matter.

Given the statutory functions of the Board and its independence in this regard, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in individual applications for registration. I have been informed by An Bord Altranais that upon receipt of an application form, fee and all fully completed documentation needed for the consideration of the application, the file is reviewed and a decision is reached and the applicant is informed in writing within six weeks.

I have been informed by An Bord Altranais that the most common reason for an increased length in time for processing the application for registration from the receipt of an application form and fee to the issuing of a decision letter is a delay in the receipt of supporting documents. These documents, including transcripts of training and the verification of registration and good standing (for applicants who trained outside Ireland), must come directly from source to An Bord Altranais. At times, An Bord Altranais has experienced a considerable delay in the receipt of these documents. An Bord Altranais endeavours to process applications in a timely manner but must have the documents necessary to support a decision to grant registration.