Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The NMBI has advised that between 1 January and 13 October 2015, 1,841 applications for registration have been received. This compares with 770 applications for the same time period in 2014, an increase in 139%. Both the growth in volume of applications and significant staff departures within the NMBI have added to the delays.

The number of applicants who received registration decisions between 01/07/2015 and 13/10/2015 is 1,022. In addition, the latest figures indicate that registration decisions as a percentage of applications received rose to 81%.

The following actions are being taken to improve the current situation:

- the Department has approved the filling of 16 posts and the NMBI has assigned 9 staff to work in the Registration Department;

- a call centre facility commenced on the 8 October 2015 to handle calls/deal with registration queries (648 calls were taken by 16 October);

- new forms to simplify the process of applying have been introduced including a revised information booklet;

- further adaptation courses are being provided for nurses who are required to complete a course prior to registration. The NMBI have approved on a pilot basis, a new aptitude test with RCSI as an alternative method to assess candidates for registration. Nurses are currently being advised of the availability of this test. The first theory test will take place on 5 December provided a minimum cohort of 20 applicants are secured to undertake the test;

- an upgraded website will go live in November (the website will allow applicants to track the status of their applications, pay fees online, and the adaptation placements and appeals process will be mediated via electronic forms);

- proposals for significant upgrading of the overall IT systems, particularly the registration system, are being developed by the NMBI;

- additional staff have been sanctioned on a short-term fixed purpose basis, to close the dormant files that have been awaiting documentation for over a year;

- meetings to review registration and other governance issues are held between the DoH and the NMBI monthly with the accompanying reports; and

- to address the issues of delays in registration the NMBI has informed the DoH that it continues to collaborate closely with key stakeholders including representatives from the HSE, Nursing Homes Ireland, Directors of Nursing/Midwifery and agencies to ensure complete applications received are expedited, particularly for those applicants who have confirmed job offers.

The DoH had discussions with the Department of Justice with a view to resolving certain visa difficulties and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding work permits on the 16 October. The meeting confirmed that the current provision of an atypical working visa will be extended to those choosing to undertake the aptitude test.