Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Nursing Staff.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

183 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has any plans to establish a new year higher diploma nursing course in order to get recognition for the 3,000 State enrolled nurses who are present here and who would automatically help the nursing shortage by getting this necessary qualification; and if, in view of the cost of between £6,000 to £10,000 for those doing the course in Chester college, Liverpool, England, he will give financial aid to them. [24292/00]

John Browne

Question:

203 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will use the 3,000 State enrolled nurses in Ireland who are not recognised by An Bord Altranais. [24291/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 203 together.

There is only one level of general nurse in Ireland, that of registered general nurse – RGN. This is equivalent to the United Kingdom qualification of registered general nurse. The minimum training required to achieve this qualification or its equivalent throughout the European Union is laid down in EU directives.

The state enrolled nurse – SEN – qualification is a United Kingdom qualification which is not recognised in Ireland. However, a number of holders of that qualification are employed in the health service in other capacities, such as ward attendants and care assistants.

I understand that 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.