Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Student Nurses' Training.

Edward Nealon

Question:

193 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that student nurses commencing training in 1993 in mental handicap will be granted an extra 12 weeks theoretical input to give them parity with students in general nursing arising from EC Directive 89/595, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, on registration in 1995, this will leave students in mental handicap in 1992 isolated, that they will find it impossible to obtain post-basic courses which in turn will restrict their professional development and limit their job opportunities; and, in view of this, if he will consider the granting to such students those 12 weeks theoretical input; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The training programme for student mental handicap nurses who commenced training prior to October 1993, conforms with all relevant national and EU requirements. There is no factual basis to the assertion that these students will be disadvantaged in seeking access to post-basic training by reason of the level of theoretical instruction in their basic training programme. It is not my intention to amend the training programme for these students. The option of doing so has been examined but, because of the resource and logistical problems involved for the nurse training schools, it was not considered viable.