Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recent drive to recruit graduate nurses; when those that have applied to the scheme will receive further updates on their applications; the timeline for processing and recruiting from applications received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14391/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Applications from graduate nurses under this scheme will continue to be accepted by the HSE. In line with normal practice, the HSE will aim to facilitate applicants with offers of appointment to posts in the part of the country for which they have expressed a preference.

The HSE has decided that applicationsfor Phase 1, covering registered general nurses for the Acute Hospital setting and the Community, will be accepted on a rolling basis for 2012 graduates, and also those who graduated in 2010 and 2011. Phase 2, which covers General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability and Midwifery Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Midwifery launched in mid-February.

Recruitment will continue during 2013. Paediatrics will launch at a later stage and there will also be opportunities for those who graduate in 2013 to participate. The scheme was introduced on the assumption that intake would be spread over a period, especially since the scheme was being introduced some months after most 2012 graduates completed their training.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to when those that have applied to the scheme will receive further updates on their applications and the time-line for processing and recruiting following receipt of applications.