Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Third Level Fees.

Paul Bradford

Question:

178 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the payment of under-graduate fees by final year degree students of nursing studies; and if her Department will pay the college fees for these students. [12265/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The person concerned is currently a student in the final year of the diploma in nursing studies course at University College, Galway. This course forms the revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training which was introduced in October 1994 on a pilot basis. It is operated by the Western Health Board and University College, Galway at the University Hospital Galway.The three year course leads to a diploma in nursing studies and to registration with An Bord Altranais. The new programme has been extended to a number of other colleges of nursing in association with local higher education institutions.As these programmes are being funded by the regional health boards, the students' tuition fees are met by the health board.

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Health, that his Department is currently engaged in consultations with a number of third level institutions, including University College, Galway, in relation to the development of accessible degree programmes which will be open both to nurses who successfully complete the new education and training programme and to nurses who qualify under the traditional model of education and training. These one year part-time degree programmes will provide members of the nursing profession with an opportunity to obtain a post-registration qualification at degree level.

In the current academic year, Dublin, City University is operating a one year course which enables holders of the three year diploma obtain a degree of bachelor of nursing studies. Access modules are available for registered nurses who qualified before the introduction of the diploma and who wish to pursue the one year course. The courses are provided on a part-time basis and are self-financing. The removal of undergraduate fees does not apply to part-time courses.