Brian O'Shea
Question:273 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has regarding problems with a nursing studies course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11346/01]
Written Answers - Nursing Studies.
The nursing careers centre, which is managed by An Bord Altranais, handles arrangements for the annual intake of students to the nursing registration diploma programmes. From this year, in line with a recommendation of the Commission on Nursing, the application system for places on those programmes is being administered by the Central Applications Office (CAO). I have been advised by An Bord Altranais that the interview for entry to nursing training was based on a pre-determined skills and experience questionnaire given to all applicants regardless of previous courses undertaken by the applicant.
The discontinuation of the interview for school leavers was recommended by An Bord Altranais, as well as the Nursing Education Forum, in the context of the transfer of the application system to the CAO. The decision to discontinue interviews from this year affected all students and had no particular impact on one group of students. I understand from An Bord Altranais that pre-nursing courses accredited at level 2 by the NCVA are considered by some higher education institutions for admission to nursing. Decisions in relation to equivalencies are determined by admissions officers. Procedures are already in place to deal with pre-nursing level 2 courses. The establishment of formal links is a matter for the NCVA and the accreditation authorities for higher education institutions.