Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
614. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide figures for the number of applications received to date for the Health Service Executive nursing/midwifery graduate scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2620/13]
View answerThe HSE is proceeding with arrangements to commence the Graduate Nurse Placement Initiative. The recruitment process for Phase 1 for registered general nurses and covering the Acute Hospital setting and the Community commenced on 11th January, with the first of the appointments to be in place by the end of February 2013.
On 16th January, the HSE announced that it had extended the scope of this scheme to encompass nurses and midwives who graduated in 2010 and 2011, in addition to 2012 graduates, and the reopening of Phase 1 on this basis. As the recruitment process for this Phase is still in train, it is not possible to assess the number of valid applications. I will ask the HSE to reply to the Deputy when they become available. Applications under Phase 2 of this initiative, which will cover Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Midwifery and Paediatrics, will be invited from February 2013.
