Vol. 434 No. 4
168 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the high cost of the intermediate certification of nursing students; his views on whether it is justified in view of the minimal amount of work attached to the supplying of the certification of An Bord Altranais; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the present system of intermediate certification for nursing students An Bord Altranais incurs costs arising from the issuing of certification, the administration of an appeals mechanism and assisting in the implementation of the system at hospital level. All fees charged by An Bord Altranais have ministerial approval and are kept under review on an ongoing basis. In approving fees, I must have regard, among other things, to the need to ensure that the board is self financing.
As the Deputy will be aware, the board is currently conducting a review of all aspects of nurse training and education. The present system of intermediate certification for nursing students is one of the aspects of the training system likely to be affected by recommendations arising from this review. I expect to receive the final report of the review group for my consideration before the end of this year.
