I presume the Deputy is referring to higher diploma courses in oncology, accident and emergency, intensive care, coronary care and so on. Entry requirements for these courses vary from college to college. All colleges require applicants to have registration in the relevant division of the nursing register maintained by An Bord Altranais. Most courses require candidates to satisfy certain minimum experience requirements which may include a period working in the specialist area. Certain colleges require applicants to satisfy basic matriculation requirements if under age 23. Candidates aged 23 years or over may be accepted as mature students.
The crucial requirement is that the applicant is a registered nurse or midwife, and no distinction is made in respect of the model of education undertaken to obtain registration. I take this opportunity to reassure the Deputy that the question of discrimination or prejudice does not arise.
As stated earlier, entry requirements to courses generally include requirements in relation to experience. In the circumstances, I do not consider that an accreditation system is required. In recent years, I have introduced a number of initiatives aimed at supporting the professional development of nurses and midwives. A nurse or midwife who wishes to undertake a part-time nursing degree course is entitled to have his or her fees paid in full. The position in respect of higher diplomas in specialist areas is that the nurse or midwife undertaking the course is entitled to receive full pay while doing so and to have his or her fees paid in full.
