Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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302. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for delays in processing the registration of newly qualified nurses so they can obtain a PIN and gain employment in private nursing homes (details supplied). [8273/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no delays in registering Irish nursing graduates. With regard to other applications for registration from outside Ireland a significant volume of applications has been received by the NMBI, particularly during 2015. Many of the applications received to date are incomplete whereby documents remain outstanding on a file and therefore cannot be progressed to review/assessment stage until required documents are received. In addition, many applicants, unfortunately do not complete their application form fully therefore leading to delays in progressing an application through the system.

The NMBI have put a number of contact channels in place for applicants following up on the progress of their application. One such measure was introduced in October 2015 which was the opening of 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. The NMBI has launched a new website during February 2016 which will have additional features for overseas applicants to include a facility to “Track their Application” on line.

The NMBI is working with its stakeholders, including HSE, to provide options for nurses who are required to obtain additional competencies in order to meet the requirements for registration. Such options include the adaptation course and an aptitude test.

If the Deputy would like an update in relation to the registration of specific nurses, please contact my private office and they will follow up the matter with the NMBI.