Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nurses' Training.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

83 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not acceded to the request by nurses representatives to provide equal theoretical instruction in the three year training programme for nurses for both general nurses and other categories such as psychiatric, childrens and for mental handicap; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this stand risks the loss of recognition in the UK where parity and training applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The recently implemented changes to the training programmes for general nurses stem from the application of EC Directive 89/595. The EC Commission has prepared a draft proposal for the application of similar arrangements to other nursing disciplines. Progress on this has been slow and my Department is in contact with the EC Commission with a view to ensuring that the issue is resolved as quickly as possible.

I am keeping the situation under review, particularly with regard to the issue of UK recognition. This question has been taken up by An Bord Altranais with the relevant registration body in the UK. If any problems should arise in this regard, the Deputy can be assured that I will take all reasonable steps to maintain the mobility of Irish nurses within the resources at my disposal.