Vol. 502 No. 2
74 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the qualifications of Philippine nurses are not recognised by this State when they are recognised in the United Kingdom; and the steps, if any, he will take to arrange for their qualifications to be recognised. [7476/99]
Before taking up a nursing appointment in this country, it is necessary to be registered with An Bord Altranais. The board has statutory responsibility for the training and registration of nurses in this country and the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad.
A nurse from the Philippines applying for registration with An Bord Altranais would be treated in the same way as any applicant from outside the EU. The applicant must forward a completed application form and the appropriate fee to the board. The applicant must then arrange for a transcript of education and training, verification of registration or licence and references to be sent directly from source to the board. Applicants are then assessed on an individual basis and will be approved if the applicant meets the standards or criteria set down by the board. Approval may be subject to the nurse completing a period of theoretical or clinical instruction or orientation. An application for registration will only be refused if the applicant fails to satisfy the board that his or her training was adequate.
