Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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409. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the shortage in the number of nurses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4424/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the difficulties some people are experiencing in registering with the NMBI. I would like to advise the Deputy of the actions taken by the NMBI and the Department in this regard:

- the Department has approved the filling of 19 posts;

- the NMBI have put a number of contact channels in place for applicants following up on the progress of their application. For example, in October 2015, the NMBI opened a dedicated call centre line for overseas applicants. This call centre is open Monday through to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm. The call centre can provide regular updates to overseas applicants on the current status of their application. To mid January, this call centre has taken over 4,500 calls.

- the NMBI is also imminently launching a new website which will have additional features for overseas applicants to include a facility to “Track their Application” on-line;

- 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 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 Department of Health has had discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality with a view to resolving certain visa difficulties and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding work permits. It has been confirmed that the current provision of an atypical working visa has been extended to those choosing to undertake the aptitude test.

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

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

- to address the issues of delays in registration the NMBI has informed the Department 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. This engagement has led to very positive working relationships with these Stakeholders.

The central function of the NMBI is protection of the public and we therefore must be satisfied that all documentation required to progress an application to decision stage meets all the necessary requirements.