Any such difficulty would have stemmed from the temporary disruption resulting from the implementation in Ireland of EC Directive 89/595 on general nurse training. Compliance with this directive entails the provision of additional theoretical training and the development of a new curriculum and the priority for the nursing schools must, in the short term, be to ensure that students entering pre-registration courses in general nursing are adequately provided for. We are currently going through a transition period in the implementation of this directive and I would expect that normal access to general training for post-registration students from other disciplines within nursing will be resumed as speedily as possible.
The Deputy will also be aware that An Bord Altranais is currently conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects of nurse training. I look forward to considering its recommendations in due course.