John Ellis
Question:140 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health if he will ask An Board Altranais to consider increasing the number of mature students being accepted into nursing schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/94]
Written Answers. - Nursing School Student Numbers.
An Bord Altranais, by rules made in accordance with the provisions of the Nurses Act, 1985 and approved by me as Minister for Health, determines the requirements to be met by applicants for admission to training programmes leading to registration in one of the four basic divisions of the register. These rules provide for the admission of mature applicants (aged over 24 years on 15 October of the year of application) without having attained the minimum educational qualifications specified. The actual selection of candidates is a matter for each individual school of nursing to determine as employer of the successful candidate for the duration of the training programme. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be outside the remit of An Bord Altranais to intervene in this selection process in circumstances where the provisions of its rules have been complied with by the school of nursing.