Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Nursing Education.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

318 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to grant aid Irish nurses who are undertaking the higher diploma in education nursing at the Chester college in Liverpool to bring the Irish situation in line with other EU countries where such funding is available; if he will make grant aid available to nurses attending the assess course, which is costing in the region of £5,000, in view of the shortage of nursing staff in hospitals; and if he will meet representatives of this group of nurses as requested. [22311/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The course in question is a conversion programme for enrolled nurses leading to professional registration as a nurse with the relevant UK regulatory body and the award of an academic qualification. While I am not in a position to provide funds to assist enrolled nurses working in the Irish public health service in non-nursing capacities to undertake that particular course, I intend to explore with An Bord Altranais and other relevant bodies whether it would be possible to deliver such a course here. I will be happy to meet representatives of the group of enrolled nurses as part of that process, if they so wish.