Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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355. To ask the Minister for Health the current average waiting time in weeks for processing overseas registration applications by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland from the date initial correspondence was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6678/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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356. To ask the Minister for Health the number of application packs issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of these application packs that then progressed to review and assessment stage; and the number that were ultimately registered successfully. [6679/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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358. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide figures for overseas registration applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland which are currently awaiting processing. [6681/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 355, 356 and 358 together.

I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.

Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply within 10 working days.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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357. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider a review of the overseas registration process by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, in view of recent media reports on lengthy delays and the current crisis in staffing recruitment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6680/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) that it is implementing a programme of process improvements to its management of the large volume of overseas applications for registration. This aims to speed up the registration process to bring new nurses and midwives into the Irish health system as quickly as possible, without compromising registration standards. In this regard, the NMBI note that 2016 was marked by a 313% increase in overseas applications when compared to 2014 (from 1,045 to 4,323).

The process improvements arise from a full review of the then current processes within the Registration Directorate of the NMBI carried out by an external company appointed in July 2016, following a tendering process. A number of recommendations arising from this review have already been implemented.

In addition, a full process review is underway of the qualification recognition function necessitated by Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications. Guidance documents and application forms for both Directive and non-Directive applicants are also being revised to include automation of processes where feasible.

The NMBI continues to engage with and update Stakeholders including the Department, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland on these initiatives. A meeting of stakeholders will be held in the coming weeks to discuss issues of mutual interest and to review ongoing registration issues.